A topless man was surrounded by police who swooped on the suspect in dramatic scenes outside a city centre supermarket.
Witnesses said the bare-chested man was shouting in the direction of bemused shoppers as he was stopped in his tracks by a team of six police officers and community support officers.
The man had his jumper round his neck as he was detained outside the Sainsbury's store on Castle Street around 10.30am.
He was put into a police van a short time later.
Police confirmed officers detained the man after being alerted by security staff who said he fitted the description of a male seen trying to force their way into the rear of nearby JD Sports in Liverpool ONE.
A witness told the ECHO: "The man had his jumper above his head and was shouting as people walked by.
"He was bare-chested and surrounded by officers. It's not what you expect to see when you pop for a meal deal."
A Merseyside Police spokesman said: "We can confirm that a man was arrested following an incident in Liverpool City Centre this morning, Thursday, September 12.
"At 10.30am, officers were called to Castle Street to reports of a man trying to force entry to the rear of JD Sports. Security staff pointed out the man near to Sainsbury’s and he was detained."
He added: "A 27-year-old man from Mossley Hill was arrested on suspicion of burglary and has been taken to a police station for questioning."
