A SHOP worker has been taken to hospital after being punched in the face and spat at by a customer.

The staff member at Main News in Commercial Road, Bournemouth, was reportedly assaulted by the customer following a dispute over payment.

She suffered an injury to her shoulder, and required hospital treatment for facial injuries.

The incident, which occurred at around 3.20pm on Sunday, February 11, is being investigated by police.

Officers have now issued an image of man they would like to identify as part of their enquiries.

Police constable Megan Vivian, of Dorset Police, said: “We take reports of violence towards retail staff very seriously and we are conducting a full investigation into this incident.

“We have obtained a CCTV image of a man we would like to identify as part of our enquiries and I would urge anyone who recognises him to please contact us.”

Anyone with information can contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240021840.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.