A THIEF threatened to stab a Co-Op staff member with a needle while stealing meat from the store.

Police are investigating after the incident on Hyde Road on July 16 at 6.45pm.

A man entered the shop and hid meat in his jacket, then threatened a staff member who tried to stop him. The staff member suffered no injuries.

The suspect is described as white, aged about mid-thirties, 5ft 8 and of slim build, wearing a black jacket and trousers and brown boots with sunglasses on top of his head.

He had a receding hair line and a tattoo of a teardrop on his cheek near his left eye.

Police released an image of a man they would like to speak to in relation to the theft. Anyone who can help identify the man should call PC Sam Kelly on 101.