POLICE are trying to track down a man in connection with thefts of booze and Christmas gifts from a Hampshire department store.

Officers have released the CCTV images after champagne and a Christmas tree were stolen during a raid at Marks and Spencers in Hedge End at the height of the festive shopping rush.

Now police are urging anyone who recognises the man – who was wearing shorts revealing telltale tattoos on his legs - to come forward immediately.

A car pulled up to the food hall entrance of the Tollbar Way store and the male passenger got out, walked into the store, stole two bottles of champagne and handed them to the waiting driver.

The man returned to the outlet minutes later and grabbed a Christmas tree and plant holder before passing them to his accomplice.

But security staff approached him when he entered a third time and he left emptyhanded and the pair drove away.

The man police want to spoke to had distinctive tattoos on his lower legs and wore an anorak and blue checked shorts.

Anyone who witnessed the raid on Wednesday, December 9, should contact police on 101 or email resolution.centre@hampshire.pnn.police.uk Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.