In England and Wales, anyone can make a “citizen’s arrest” under section 24A of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, but only for an indictable offence, only when it isn’t reasonably practicable for the police to do it, and only to stop injury, damage or the person getting away. Northern Ireland has an almost identical rule; Scotland’s law is different. The police advise calling 999 rather than stepping in.
Updated 12 October 2026 · Sources: legislation.gov.uk (PACE 1984 s24A, Criminal Law Act 1967 s3, PACE (NI) Order 1989 Art 26A), CPS, West Yorkshire Police · Next review: January 2027
Your safety comes first. Don’t chase or grab anyone if it could put you or others at risk: call 999, keep your distance and note a description, the direction they went and any vehicle registration. If you can’t speak, see how a silent 999 call works.
The three tests the law sets
Is citizen’s arrest legal in the UK?
Yes, within limits. In England and Wales, section 24A of PACE lets a person who is not a police officer arrest someone who is committing, or has committed, an indictable offence, or whom they reasonably suspect. All three tests above must be met. Northern Ireland has the same rule in Article 26A of the PACE (NI) Order 1989. Scotland is different.
The power does not cover the “stirring up hatred” offences in Parts 3 and 3A of the Public Order Act 1986. West Yorkshire Police advise contacting the police first wherever you can and stepping in only if absolutely necessary. To decide which number to use, see when to call 999, 101 or 111.
What counts as an indictable offence?
An indictable offence is one that can be tried in the Crown Court, including offences that can be tried in either the magistrates’ court or the Crown Court. West Yorkshire Police give theft, burglary and criminal damage as examples. Minor offences that can only be tried by magistrates are not covered, so you cannot lawfully arrest someone for them, however annoying they are.
Can I use force to make a citizen’s arrest?
Only reasonable force. Section 3 of the Criminal Law Act 1967 allows “such force as is reasonable in the circumstances” to prevent crime or to arrest offenders or suspects. The CPS asks two questions: was force necessary, and was it reasonable, judged on the facts as you honestly believed them to be. Force a jury sees as excessive can itself be a crime.
That is also why carrying anything to use on someone is a bad idea: see what you can legally carry for self-defence and is pepper spray legal in the UK?
When could a citizen’s arrest be lawful, risky or unlawful?
These examples apply the tests in England and Wales. Real cases depend on the facts, so treat them as a guide, not a promise.
▲ likely lawful · ▬ depends or risky · ▼ don’t or unlawful. Not sure where to report afterwards? See 999 or 101? How to report a crime and where to report a crime.
What should I do if I have detained someone?
1. Call 999
2. Say what you are doing and why
3. Keep force to a minimum
4. Hand over to the police
5. Write it down
Do and don’t
Is citizen’s arrest different in Scotland and Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland’s rule, Article 26A of the PACE (NI) Order 1989, uses the same tests as England and Wales: an indictable offence, police unable to act and a listed reason. Scotland has its own criminal law and PACE does not apply there, so this guide’s tests should not be relied on. In Scotland, call 999 or 101 and ask Police Scotland or a solicitor.
▲ this guide · ▬ same tests, separate law · ▼ different. Checked on legislation.gov.uk on 12 October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
In England and Wales they use the same section 24A power as any member of the public, so the same three tests apply: an indictable offence, police unable to act, and a listed reason such as stopping someone making off. They must hand the person to the police.
Yes. West Yorkshire Police warn that if the arrest is not lawful you could be sued for unlawful arrest or false imprisonment. If you use more force than is reasonable, that force can itself be treated as a crime.
Sources
- Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, section 24A (arrest without warrant: other persons)
- Criminal Law Act 1967, section 3 (use of force in making arrest)
- Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989, Article 26A
- CPS: self-defence and the prevention of crime
- West Yorkshire Police / Ask the Police: can you tell me about a citizen’s arrest? (Q508)
- GOV.UK: report a crime
General information for the UK, not legal advice. Laws change: check GOV.UK or a solicitor for your situation. In an emergency, always call 999.
Keep reading
Leave the arrest to the police, and keep your people close
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