A WOMAN reportedly headbutted and punched Tesco staff after a failed attempt to steal items from the shop in Bournemouth.

At around 11.05am on Thursday March 24 a staff member saw a woman attempt to leave Tesco Express in Christchurch Road with items that she had made no attempts to pay for.

The woman was approached by a staff member and it is reported that she headbutted them. It was also reported that the woman swung her bag at the victim and the bag’s metal chain caused injury. This staff member sustained bruising and swelling to their face.

It is also alleged that the woman punched a second staff member, before throwing the items on the floor and leaving the area.

Bournemouth Echo: CCTV appeal after assaults and attempted shoplifting in Tesco Express, Christchurch Road, Bournemouth. Picture: Dorset PoliceCCTV appeal after assaults and attempted shoplifting in Tesco Express, Christchurch Road, Bournemouth. Picture: Dorset Police

Officers investigating the attempted theft of items from a shop and subsequent assault have issued a CCTV image of a woman they wish to speak to in relation to the incident.

Police Constable Rob Chandler, of Bournemouth Police, said: “I have been carrying out a number of enquiries so far into this incident to try and identify the person responsible.

“I am now issuing a CCTV image of the suspect and would ask anyone with information about her identity to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220046585.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.