CCTV appeal after food and abuse hurled at Christchurch M&S staff

POLICE have released a CCTV image of a man they want to trace after two men threw food at staff and subjected them to a tirade of abuse at a Christchurch shop.

The assault took place around 10.45am on Tuesday 30th March, when the pair entered Marks & Spencer in High Street and were reported to be acting suspiciously.

A member of staff spoke to one of them, before both became verbally abusive and threw their basket onto the floor.

One then picked up food items from the shop floor and threw them at a staff member, who did not suffer any injuries.

Nearly a month on from the incident, people are being urged to come forward if they recognise the suspect shown in the image.

Police community support investigator Richard King said: “No member of staff should be subjected to verbal or physical abuse and an investigation is underway into the incident.

“The suspect was also verbally abusive in the presence of customers, who were just trying to do their shopping and should not have had to witness such abuse.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset officers on 101, quoting crime reference number 55210050192, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.