It looks like you're using an Ad Blocker.
Please white-list or disable AboveTopSecret.com in your ad-blocking tool.
Thank you.
Some features of ATS will be disabled while you continue to use an ad-blocker.
(visit the link for the full news article)
Four people were arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment after a man was escorted through a shopping centre with a sign around his neck saying "thief".
Police said the men - aged 22, 41, 42 and 44 - were questioned following an incident in Witham, Essex, on Friday.
A police spokeswoman said a 39-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of theft and all five were granted bail until 27 November.
"Officers are investigating allegations against five Essex men," she said.
A man suspected of stealing hundreds of pounds was paraded along a busy shopping street with a sign saying 'thief' hanging around his neck.
[name removed] was being taken to a police station by work colleagues who claim the carpet fitter stole from the company.
The 39-year-old - whose guilt is yet to be proven - was later arrested on suspicion of theft.
Being marched through the town smacks of medieval punishments, like being taken to the stocks, or tarring and feathering.
But the treatment meted out by his boss and three co-workers backfired after they, too, were arrested for alleged offences including false imprisonment.
The extraordinary scene unfolded in Witham, Essex, on Friday when red-faced Mr [name removed] was bundled out of a van in a busy shopping street.
He was then escorted by his boss, [name removed], around the corner to the local police station.
Slung around his neck on a piece of cardboard was the message: 'THIEF. I stole £845. Am on my way to police station.'