THREE men walked out of a Shaftesbury supermarket without paying for a large quantity of items – and assaulted staff who followed them.

The incident happened at Tesco, in Christy’s Lane, at around 5.20pm on Wednesday, October 19, police said three men approached the kiosk in Tesco in Christy’s Lane and attempted to purchase a number of items, including tobacco and cigarettes.

“The men put the tobacco products in their pockets and left the store without paying,” said a Dorset Police spokesperson.

“Two members of staff attempted to pursue the men, however one of them was assaulted.”

Police Community Support Investigator Kayleigh Hole, of North Dorset police, said: “I am continuing to investigate this incident and have obtained CCTV images of two male suspects.

“I would ask anyone who recognises them to please contact Dorset Police.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55220170556.

Alternatively, people can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.