A SHOPLIFTER pulled out a knife on security staff at Debenhams in Bournemouth.

Police were called to the department store in Commercial Road at 3.50pm on Thursday following reports of shoplifting.

Security staff approached the man in the store who pulled out a knife.

As he attempted to leave, the man injured a security guard’s eye with his hand.

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment.

The man is described as white, aged in his late 30s, of stocky build and with dark hair. He wore a white T-shirt, blue shorts and carried a blue bag.

Officers attended and searched the area but the man was not found.

Police Constable Joel Brooks, of Bournemouth police, said: “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the man’s identity and investigate this incident.

“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the relevant time and has information that could assist me to please contact Dorset Police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55180114460.