TWO people were assaulted during an attempted shoplifting in the Iceland on Royal Wootton Bassett's High Street on Monday.

The incident occurred at around 9.20am.

The suspect had been trying to steal bottles of alcohol and, when a female shop assistant and male bystander tried to intervene, he assaulted them.

The bystander, who is in his 70s, was hit with a bottle and required medical treatment for a lump on his head.

The member of staff was kicked and left with bruising on her ankle.

Police have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in relation to the assault.

He is described as having a foreign accent, and at the time of Monday's incident, he was wearing black jeans, a black coat, a multi-coloured scarf and a black beanie.

PC Richard Clark, from North Wiltshire Community Policing Team, said: “We are appealing for anyone who might know the suspect, or anyone who might have seen the incident, to speak to us.

“This was a frightening incident, and although nobody was seriously hurt, everyone involved was left understandably shaken.

“I am appealing for the public's help so we can speak to this individual about this disgusting attack on a member of staff doing her job and an elderly member of the public who attempted to help.

"This behaviour won’t be tolerated.”

Anyone who recognises the person in the CCTV, or the suspect themselves, is asked to asked to contact the police.

Witnesses to the assault should call PC Clark on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.