Fire chief arrested for theft

Richard Bull, who was made a CBE last year following 34 years distinguished service, was spotted by staff at his local branch of B&Q.

The 53-year-old head of the Tyne and Wear service, one of the UK's largest brigades, was stopped by staff on his way out of the store in Sunderland.

Police were called last Friday afternoon and he was taken to the city's Gill Bridge station by uniformed officers.

They formally cautioned him for theft and he was released later on Friday afternoon.

A police spokeswoman said: "A 53-year-old man from Sunderland was arrested by Northumbria Police after a report of a theft by staff at the B&Q store in Trimdon Street on Friday.

"He was detained by staff who called police. He was formally cautioned for theft at Gill Bridge and released the same afternoon.

"The theft involved doorstops to the value of £4.60."

A B&Q spokesman said: "I can confirm that someone did take some doorstops on Friday afternoon.

"There was an incident, which was dealt with by staff and the police."

Mr Bull, who is from Sunderland, joined his local fire brigade in 1970 and was appointed chief in 1995. He was awarded the Queen's Fire Service Medal in 1998.

He has been president of the Chief Fire Officers Association and was given the CBE last year after 34 years in the fire service.

He is married to Eileen and has two daughter Helen, 28, and Gillian, 25.

He was educated at Red House state comprehensive in Sunderland and lists one of his hobbies as DIY, as well as gardening and collecting postcards.

The Fire Brigades Union said he expected there would be disciplinary procedures to follow.

It is not known how the incident will affect his position at the head of the region's fire service.

The chairman of Tyne and Wear Fire Authority, Sunderland councillor Peter Young, declined to comment.

A Sunderland Council spokeswoman said: "There is no comment from either the city council of the chair of the fire authority, Councillor Young."