POLICE have released CCTV images and footage of a robber who pepper sprayed a cash-in-transit driver before stealing £25,000 from him in Southampton city centre.

Police are appealing for information after the incident, which happened behind Primark at about 4pm on Tuesday afternoon.

And they have now released CCTV images and video footage of a man in a hi-vis jacket holding a cash box running away from the scene and towards Hanover Buildings.

The 59-year-old victim was not in his vehicle when a man in a hi-vis jacket sprayed him and stole a cash box.

Officers say the robber is described as being white, of medium build, in his mid to late 30s, and five feet ten inches tall.

He was wearing a hi-vis jacket, white hard hat or helmet, and a surgical mouth mask.

The attacker is believed to have run off towards Hanover Buildings and got into a small silver hatchback-style car.

Detective Sergeant Matt Barcraft-Barnes from the Western Investigation Team said: “This was a busy time of the day and lots of people were around shopping, enjoying the sun in the park or travelling to and from the city.

“I am appealing directly to anyone who saw this incident or saw a man matching this description at this time near the bus station or in the Hanover Buildings or Vincents Walk areas.

“Please call 101 quoting 44160307512.”

Alternatively witnesses can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.