THE public has backed police claims they used "appropriate force" to detain a suspected shoplifter after a video showed an officer tripping the man.

Footage was taken by a passing motorist of two officers arresting a man in North Road, Darlington, on Monday.

The video taken on a mobile phone shows the man, who appears to be unsteady on his feet, argue with officers.

A policeman pulls out a Taser and points it at the man before his colleague trips the suspect, who falls to the floor heavily and is then handcuffed.

After the video was posted on social media, several people criticised the level of force used by police to detain the man.

But Durham Constabulary defended the officers' actions saying the footage had been seen by to the force's professional standards department which concluded that the "appropriate use of force was used to deal with this incident".

And social media users who have viewed the video have overwhelmingly agreed that the level of force used by the officers was not excessive.

One resident, David Glass, said on the Echo's Facebook page: "Nothing wrong with that. He would have been shot in America. Well done Durham Police."

Another comment from Adam Higginbotton read: "Excellent work from two professional officers. Keep up the good work guys and girls."

Rob Carrol adds: "It's not a trip, it's a leg sweep and it's standard fare when looking to control someone.

"The only error was the policeman should have held onto the suspect as they went down to maintain control of his descent so no serious injury was caused."

However, some people did raise concerns about the level of force used.

Shane Smith said: "I was there watching this and he drop him hard - I heard his head bang off the floor. It was as if someone punched my car door, that's how loud it was."

The incident occurred after officers responded to reports of a shoplifter attempting to steal alcohol in nearby Morrisons.

During the alleged incident at the supermarket police say members of staff and members of the public trying to stop the man from stealing were assaulted.

A 30-year-old man was subsequently charged with theft, five counts of assault, one count of criminal damage and one count of obstructing police.