A CRIME-FIGHTING toddler who helped police catch a suspect was given a tour of Clacton police station as a reward.

“Tot Fuzz” Ashton Millard, two, spotted a suspected shoplifer hiding in the back garden of his home in Meredith Road, Clacton.

He shouted and pointed at the stranger, alerting nearby police to his location and leading to an arrest.

Eagle-eyed Ashton and his parents were given a tour around Clacton police station by chief inspector Cat Barrie as a reward for his actions.

Mum Alice Owens said: “It was a lovely surprise to be invited to the station.

“Everyone was really welcoming and made a fuss of Ashton.

“We were shown around and Ashton was even allowed to sit in one of the police cars and play with the lights and siren.

“He loved it and I’d just like to say thank you to all the staff there who gave up their time and made it possible.

“It was a great experience.”

Police were searching near Ashton’s home for man who had stolen a pack of razors from Boots, in Pier Avenue, Clacton.

They swooped to make an arrest when they saw Ashton pointing from the window on Monday, November 11 at 10.30am.

A man, 35, from Clacton was charged with two counts of theft.

Mrs Barrie said Ashton has become the youngest Neighbourhood Watch member following his visit with mum Alice and dad Andrew Millard.

She said: “It was our way of thanking him for his help in helping us arrest someone.

“We thought a tour of Clacton police station would be right up his street so he could see the cells, meet some police officers and sit behind the wheel of a police car.

“We also wanted to speak to him and his mum about what neighbourhood policing is all about.

“He had a great time and was absolutely thrilled with his afternoon with us.

“He left with a goody bag and is now our youngest newly-recruited Neighbourhood Watch member.”