A SUPERMARKET security guard was in a critical condition in hospital yesterday after collapsing while chasing two suspected shoplifters.

Joe Raynor, 58, suffered a cardiac arrest while pursuing the pair, who police said had left Tesco in Rawtenstall on Friday night without paying for a crate of beer.

Mr Raynor followed the alleged thieves as they were fleeing the store in Skye Street.

The ambulance service confirmed that crews were called at 10.55pm to help a man in his 50s who was suffering a cardiac arrest.

Paramedics used a defibrilator on Mr Raynor and, although they were able to get an output from his heart at the scene, his condition was described as critical. He was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital where he remained in a critical condition yesterday afternoon.

Mr Raynor, who is employed by Advance Security, is believed to work only one shift per week at the Tesco store.

Police, who were informed by the ambulance crew, arrived just after 11pm. A spokeswoman for Tesco said the company was co-operating fully with the on-going police investigation.

Gareth Rees, store manager said: “Our thoughts are with our colleague and his family.”

No-one from Advance Security was available for comment yesterday.