Lucknow, May 4 (IANS): A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) head constable was arrested here after he tried to run away with three gold chains from a jewellery shop, police said Friday.

The incident took place in Sarojininagar late Thursday when head constable Dhansukh allegedly snatched the gold chains from a staff at Chandrika Jewellers and tried to run away.

The owner of the shop, Nirmala Soni, told IANS she was shocked to see the CRPF man run away with gold ornaments and she raised an alarm. Staff and passersby chased him even as police were informed.

Dhansukh, after decamping with the jewellery, took someone's bicycle to try and escape, but police intercepted him. The gold chains were recovered and he was arrested, police said.

Senior officials of the paramilitary force were informed of the development, police said. After his arrest, he broke down and told police he had resorted to the crime to tide over financial problems.