Police have charged a man following an alleged theft from a store in Preston city centre.

Officers were called after numerous gift sets were said to be stolen from Matalan in St George’s Shopping Centre at around 1pm on Friday.

A 35-year-old man was arrested nearby.

Callum Fitzpatrick, 35, of St Michael’s Road, Preston, has been charged with theft from a shop and was due to appear before Preston Magistrates Court today.

In a separate incident, police have arrested a man following a theft from a store at the Capitol Centre.

Officers were called to Waitrose at around 4pm on Sunday. It was reported around £200 worth of health and beauty products had been stolen.

A 35-year-old man from Manchester is under arrest on suspicion of theft from a shop and is currently in custody waiting to be questioned.