The man, who was believed to have been shoplifting in Waitrose supermarket in Bertie Road, was with two women when store detectives and uniformed staff attempted to apprehend him at around 5.45pm.

As they approached the end of the first floor car park, the man jumped to the ground floor and badly injured himself.

Several items from the store were found nearby. The women left without being spoken to.

The man, 46, was taken to Warwick Hospital where he was treated for a broken leg and possible spinal injuries.

Pc Lee Blackwell is asking any witnesses to contact him. He said: "This incident occurred at at a busy time of day. Many people were shopping in the store, pedestrians were walking outside and people were driving in and out of the car park.

"Please could anyone who saw a man and or two women behaving suspiciously in the store prior to the incident contact me. I would also like to hear from anyone who saw a white Citroen car leaving the scene after the incident."

Anyone with information should call Pc Blackwell at Kenilworth Police station on 415000, voicemail 10601, or extension 4404.