The film deals with the experience of Allied POWs

Starring Robert Carlyle and Kiefer Sutherland, the film is based on a true story of four Allied POWs who endure harsh treatment at the hands of their Japanese captors during World War II.

But Inspector Rae said that he did not think his trip to the glamorous French Riviera resort would involve any police work.

"I was at Cannes to play the bagpipes and never expected to get involved in anything police related and my last day turned out to be a real busman's holiday for me," he said.

After Inspector Rae alerted gendarmes to the attempted theft, he went to the local police station to make a statement.

French police officers searched the pickpocket, who was a known criminal, and found that he was carrying a knife.

Inspector Rae added: I'm now just waiting to hear if I'll be required to go back to Cannes, this time to attend court."