'Batman' swoops in store raid

The drama was reminiscent of the famous TV scene

Shoppers may have thought they were on a film set, as they saw Batman chasing three suspected thieves through a Manchester supermarket.

Staff at the Harpurhey Asda store were dressing up to raise money for Children in Need.

Security manager Alan Nickerson had donned the costume of the caped crusader, when he saw an alleged offence taking place.

It was reminiscent of the 1996 Only Fools and Horses episode when Del and Rodney, dressed as Batman and Robin, apprehended a robber.

The Batmobile was not required

"It did feel a bit bizarre," Mr Nickerson told BBC News Online.

He said he had been watching CCTV in the security office when he saw a number of youths allegedly drinking the store's alcohol.

He chased a group of youths outside and brought them into the store.

"I think they got a bit of a shock.

"They said they would never come back to the store if Batman was on security," he said.

He said the police were "gob smacked" when they arrived.

"One of them asked if my outfit was Asda's new security uniform," Mr Nickerson said.

Three people have been arrested.