A TESCO worker was reportedly kicked and spat at before a shoplifter fled. 

The staff member at the Express branch in Wimborne Road, Winton, went to challenge a suspected shoplifter. 

However, the man reportedly kicked the male worker in the leg and spat in his face before leaving the store with stolen items, according to police. 

Now, officers have released a CCTV image of a man they are looking to identify following the assault and theft just before 7pm on Wednesday, January 31. 

Police community support investigator Chris Hardy, of Dorset Police, said: “We take assaults on shop staff very seriously and we are issuing an image of a man we would like to speak to as part of our investigation into this incident. 

“I would urge anyone who recognises him to please come forward.” 

Anyone with information can contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240020808.  

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