FELIXSTOWE: A teenage armed robber is today under lock and key while he awaits sentencing after being caught thanks to an eagle-eyed driver.

Cigarette thief Aron Harrison, of Grange Road, Felixstowe, was nabbed by police after the motorist saw him fleeing a shop raid while wearing a red crash helmet.

The driver tailed the 18-year-old – who is believed to have used a knife during the stick-up – until he reached the motorbike he was using as a getaway vehicle. The motorist took a note of the bike’s registration number and called police who arrested Harrison a short while later.

The robbery occurred at Premier Express Stores in Beach Station Road, Felixstowe, shortly after 8pm on October 21.

Harrison entered the shop wearing the crash helmet.

He was brandishing what appeared to be a knife in his right hand, and threatened the shop assistant behind the counter. While the member of staff was opening the till, Harrison was reported to have moved around the counter and taken packets of cigarettes from the display. The teenager then fled the store.

In the aftermath of the robbery police originally said they did not believe any cash was taken.

Harrison was seen by the motorist running from the shop.

The driver thought something suspicious was going on and followed him along Beach Station Road.

The teenager then got on his motorbike and rode off.

After admitting robbery and possession of an offensive weapon at a hearing before Ipswich Crown Court, Harrison’s case was adjourned for sentencing.

He is due back at the same court to be sentenced in the week commencing November 29.

Harrison is currently remanded in custody.