Police release CCTV image of violent theft suspect

At 8.55pm on Sunday, December 8, 2013, the man went into Tesco Express in Rectory Road, Worthing, selected several bottles of wine and placed them in his backpack before attempting to leave the shop without paying.

He was stopped at the entrance by a 21-year-old man working at the store.

The suspect sprayed him in the face with some form of incapacitant from a small canister, and made off. The canister is thought to be a prohibited weapon.

The man suffered reddening and a burning sensation to his face but did not need to go to hospital.

Detective Constable Angela De Vivo said; “This was a nasty incident and we hope that someone will recognise the thief and give us a call. Contact us via 101 or email [email protected] quoting serial 1283 of 8/12. You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”