A MAN stole several packets of cigarettes, vape liquid and £40 from a customer after demanding money from staff.

At 2.19pm on Friday, May 21 a man entered the Co-op in Cranleigh Road, walked behind the counter and demanded money from a member of staff.

The member of staff could not access the till, so the suspect grabbed several packets of cigarettes and vape liquid, along with £40 cash a customer had placed on the counter and left the store.

No weapon was seen and no one was injured. 

Now, detectives have released a CCTV image of the suspect. 

The suspect is described as white, aged in his 20s, six feet tall and of skinny build.

He was wearing a black hooded top, a black face mask and grey trainers with a white tick.

He was carrying an Asda Bag for Life.

Detective Sergeant Leo Glendon, of Bournemouth CID, said: "While the suspect had much of his face covered during this incident, I am appealing to anyone who recognises him from the clothing he is wearing to please contact Dorset Police."

Detectives believe the incident is linked to similar offences at Co-op in Castle Lane West, Bournemouth, and McColl’s in Turbary Road in Ferndown on Thursday, May 20

Detective Sergeant Leo Glendon added: "I would also urge anyone who knows who is responsible for these linked offences to please contact us or Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210080369.

Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.