A SHOP worker has spoken of the moment she confronted a thief as he tried to make a run from a Hampshire store.

The worker described how she challenged the man as he helped himself to two jars of jam worth £1.16 each but was pushed in the back as he fled.

Police have now released a CCTV image of a man they want to trace following the incident at the Co-op on Spring Lane, Fair Oak.

The 33-year-old victim, who did not want to be named, told how she had noticed the man had put jam jars in his backpack and approached him to ask him to pay.

When he denied having taken the jars he swore and pushed her as he made his escape.

The woman, who asked not to be named, was left shaken. She told the Daily Echo: “I wouldn't have fought him. He didn't need to get physical with me.”

The man left on a black mountain style bike.

Anyone who recognises the man or has information is asked to call PC Matthew Williams at Eastleigh police station on 101.