AN ARMY veteran MP turned have-a-go hero this week as he took down a racist thug who was stealing from a shop.

Tory rising star Johnny Mercer used his military training to tackle the thief in Central London early yesterday morning.

2 Johnny Mercer tackled a knife-wielding racist thug in a shop

The man was apparently trying to steal alcohol from the off-licence, and shouted racist abuse while throwing bottles around when the shopkeeper stopped him.

Mr Mercer then grabbed the thief and pinned him to the floor, asking bystanders to call the police.

But the shop owner asked the MP to let the man go because the police wouldn't do anything about it.

Mr Mercer, 36, told the Daily Mail: "I simply did what anyone else would do when faced by a man throwing bottles and being racist towards a shopkeeper, minding his own business and earning a living."

2 London has faced a crime wave in recent months; pictured is the scene of a stabbing in Haringey Credit: Alamy Live News

His intervention came as London faces a spate of violence, with knife crime and moped muggings on the rise.

MOST READ IN POLITICS EAT IN OR TAKE OUT? Chaos & confusion over whether cafes will HAVE to offer table service Exclusive RISHI DISHES HELP Chancellor to extend furlough for staff worst hit as Covid threat returns WINTER COMING England may have to ban home visits too as SAGE adviser warns lockdown coming Latest DOWN TO BUSINESS Chancellor to launch 'furlough replacement' tomorrow as Budget CANCELLED Exclusive HEROES EQUAL George Cross IS on par with Victoria Cross rules Queen, ending years of debate RED REBELS Three Labour MPs quit Shadow Cabinet after voting against bill to protect vets

He was an Army captain before leaving the military and becoming MP for Plymouth Moor View.

Mr Mercer has campaigned on behalf of veterans and lobbied for higher spending on defence.

He is now tipped as a possible future party leader and has been travelling round the country speaking to groups of local activists.

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online politics team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours