POLICE are searching for a man after a female employee was assaulted in a shoplifting incident near Ilminster.

Avon and Somerset Police have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in relation to the incident, which took place in Martock.

A man went into the Co-op store in The Martock Centre at around 8.10pm on February 22 and placed food items into a rucksack before leaving without paying.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: "He was challenged by a female shop employee and he assaulted her during his escape. The victim suffered a dislocated thumb."

If you recognise the man, or have information about this incident, please call PC Simon Ledbury via 101 and quote reference 5216039304.