A FEMALE police community support officer tackled a drug dealer when he tried to make off while a police officer was questioning the driver of the car he was a passenger in.

Blackburn magistrates heard Mohammed Riaz eventually escaped after his shirt literally ripped off his back but Georgina Tootal gave chase and he was eventually detained.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Riaz had since been sentenced to three years in prison for drug supply offences.

Riaz, 28, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to resisting a PCSO. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered topay £20 victim surcharge.

Miss Allan said PCSO Tootal went to the passenger side of a car in Chester Street while her colleague was talking to the driver. He tried to drive off but collided with a traffic signal at which point Riaz tried to run away.

“She took hold of him and he tried to push her away in a bid to escape,” said

Miss Allan said: “There was a struggle during which he tried to punch her and he eventually escaped when his shirt ripped altogether.”

She gave chase and he was eventually detained.”

Scott Parker, defending, said his client didn’t accept he tried to punch the officer but did try and make off. after she took hold of him.