The teenager was near Asda when he spotted the security guards chasing the two males from out the store at around 1.50 pm last Sunday.

 

The teenager then cycled up to the two shoplifters on his push bike, caught up with one of the shoplifters and said to the male that he practiced kung fu.

 

The 19-year-old shoplifter subsequently dropped his stolen Asda goods.

 

Police arrested and cautioned the shoplifter for theft.

 

The 14-year-old’s parent have not given permission for the name to be revealed.

 

Inspector Ian Grout, Welwyn Hatfield neighbourhood inspector, said: "We would not encourage members of the public to intervene in any situation for their own safety.

 

"If he had not intervened, we may not have arrested this man."

 

Asda awarded the 14-year-old boy £10 vouchers to spend in store for his heroic efforts.