EAGLE-eyed members of the public were today thanked for leading police to a suspected jewellery thief.

The man was arrested after local residents spotted him hiding from officers behind a wall.

Another man was caught following a chase along York riverside after Lilley's Jewellers, in Walmgate, was broken into last night.

Police said both had jewellery in their pockets when they were arrested.

Officers spotted the two men running from the back of the shop after they were alerted by its burglar alarm.

They chased one on foot across Piccadilly and down to the riverside.

But his accomplice disappeared.

Sergeant Colin Ventress, of York Police, said: "We received a call from a resident saying that one was hiding behind a wall at the side of an office in Piccadilly, and he was arrested.

"Without the help of public-minded people living nearby, it's quite possible that we might not have found him. The police needs to work with the public, and we are always very grateful for information they provide."

The two men had got inside the shop, but escaped after the alarm was activated.

The value of the jewellery is not known.

Sgt Ventress said: "The other man ran off through Piccadilly and our officers chased him on foot. They caught him at the riverside."

He needed hospital treatment for minor injuries after falling from a wall during the chase.

"Both are now in custody and will be further questioned today," said Sgt Ventress.

Last December, the owner of Lilley's detained a teenager accused of theft at the shop.

Updated: 16:25 Monday, October 15, 2001