While filming a recent episode of Crimecall, Philip Boucher Hayes spotted a crime being committed in the background of the shot, and sprang into action. 

What he didn't know at the time was that the scene taking place behind him was actually set up by the producers in an effort to prove how good the latest technology in facial recognition software really is. 

The software is known as EvoFIT which will allow Gardai to use eye witness information to create an accurate portrait of the criminal, and it apparently has a 70% success rate. However, while the plan was for Hayes to simply give them enough info to make an ID of the perp, he ended up setting off on foot after the criminal to try and prevent the crime from happening. 

The full episode will air tonight (10.15pm, RTE One), where you can see the whole thing and how the new software works, but speaking to Ryan Tubridy on 2fm today he said that he got a lot of compliments, and a little bit of stick for his actions with people offering him underwear to wear over his trousers, à la Superman: "It has beaten every last little bit of chivalry out of me. From here on in if I see anyone in trouble I'll look around for the camera crew first and suss out the lay of the land and then I'll turn around and maybe think about helping."

Via Independent.ie