Son arrested after chasing raid suspect.

A pub landlord's son caught a suspected burglar and held him until the arrival of police ( only to be arrested on suspicion of assault.

Lee Elllis gave chase when he found two men raiding his parents' pub in Spennymoor, County Durham, on Wednesday evening.

He managed to catch up with one of the suspected burglars 200 yards from the Quinns Inn and wrestle him to the floor.

Hanging on to the suspect with one hand, the 22-year-old was able to phone the police with his mobile.

But, when officers arrived, they put both the suspected burglar and construction worker Mr Ellis in handcuffs.

The landlord's son was then arrested on suspicion of assault and taken to the nearest station ( where they took his fingerprints and picture.

A Durham Constabulary spokeswoman yesterday said the raider had suffered facial injuries and needed hospital treatment.

However, Mr Ellis's family have told of their disgust at their son's arrest. They insist he should be rewarded for apprehending the suspect ( not punished.

His mother and pub landlady Susan said: "He should be given a medal, not a criminal record."

Mrs Ellis, 47, who runs the pub with husband Keith, 46, said the pub had been the target of two burglaries in recent months. She said: "It wasn't Lee who set out intending to commit a crime so why should he be punished?"

Mr Ellis was questioned on suspicion of assault causing actual bodily harm. He has now been released on police bail, pending further inquiries. A Durham police spokeswoman said yesterday: "Mr Ellis had chased the man 200 yards down the street. He required hospital treatment for facial injuries such as cuts and bruises."

* Wayne Vallance, 41, of Keighley, West Yorkshire, was charged with burglary and appeared at South Durham Magistrates Court on Thursday. He was remanded in custody.