BOOTS in Boscombe was closed on Sunday afternoon after a member of staff was punched in the chest.

Police were called to the Christchurch Road store just before midday after the male staff member was assaulted by a member of the public, who then left the store.

A spokesman for the company told the Daily Echo: "We can confirm there was an incident at our store, which caused the store to close. At Boots, we have a zero tolerance approach to crime in our stores and the safety of both colleagues and customers is our number one priority.

"We have spoken with the police and an investigation is under way. We would like to reassure our customers that the store is now open for business and trading as normal."

A spokesman for Dorset Police added: "We received a report at 11.50am on Sunday February 2 of an assault at Boots in Christchurch Road in Boscombe.

"It was reported that a male member of staff was punched to the chest by a member of the public, who had then left the store.

"Enquiries are ongoing into the incident. No arrests have been made at this stage."