Talks on the plan are in the early stages

Selfridges, in Oxford Street, confirmed it had been approached by the Metropolitan Police (Met) but said talks were still at a very early stage.

It is thought the Met wants to convert old staff offices into cells for shoplifters and credit card fraudsters who commit crimes on Oxford Street.

Officers could use the facilities to deal with offenders more quickly.

The Metropolitan Police would not name the store they said they were in talks with about the project.

It would be for non-violent, non-threatening offenders Metropolitan Police spokeswoman

A spokeswoman told BBC News: "At certain times of the year we have an influx of thieves on Oxford Street and a holding area nearby would mean we would be able to get police back on the beat more quickly.

"It would be for non-violent, non-threatening offenders.

"But this scheme is in the very, very early stages and we have a lot of work to do with other agencies to see if it is possible."

The spokeswoman said there were a number of rules and regulations surrounding the places that people could be charged in and this would also have to be addressed.

A spokeswoman for Selfridges said the idea would still have to be put to the company's board.