A CHARITY shop worker who chased a man who stole a leather jacket was injured as she tried to get it back.

Police have released a CCTV image following an incident which started in the Lewis Manning shop in Seamoor Road, Westbourne.

At around 10.40am on Monday April 12 a member of staff at the store was alerted by a colleague to a man attempting to steal a leather jacket worth £100.

She followed him out of the shop, challenged him and attempted to retrieve the jacket but the suspect pushed her away.

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The man then went into the Westbourne Arcade and the victim challenged him again, at which point he swung out with his arm. The victim put her arm up to defend herself and the suspect hit it so hard it pushed her arm into her face, causing a split lip and bruising to her arm.

Police Community Support Investigator Martin Young, of Dorset Police, said: "We are carrying out enquiries to identify the man responsible for these offences and have obtained a CCTV image as part of our investigation.

"I would urge anyone who has any information as to his identity to please contact us."

Information to Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55210059585, or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.