A SHOPWORKER was attacked after she confronted a couple as they tried to leave the store with alcohol without paying.

The member of staff believed the man and woman were trying to steal, so she stopped them in the doorway of the Co-op in West End Road, in the Bitterne area of Southampton.

The women - who it is thought was pregnant - kicked the shop assistant in the shin and grabbed her by the throat.

The pair then ran off, leaving the alcohol behind.

The victim described the woman as white, aged in her early 20s, around 5ft 5ins and of medium build and was possibly pregnant.

She had dark coloured hair which was tied back and was wearing a long sleeved checked shirt, a sleeveless top and denim jeans.

The man was white, aged in his 30s, around 6ft and of average build. He had short thinning hair which was either grey or dark in colour. He was wearing a blue tracksuit top and dark jeans.

PC Phil Deeprose, said: “This was a particularly aggressive and nasty assault upon a member of the Co-op staff. This assault was unprovoked and was the result of the victim having challenged the woman when she tried to leave the shop without paying for alcohol.

“A customer helped the victim after the attack and I would like to speak to her as soon as possible as she may have seen something that could assist our inquiry. If it was you who helped the victim, or if anyone has any other information about this incident, please contact us.”

The incident happened between 7.45pm and 8pm on Monday, October 19, but police have only now decided to release the information about it.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Deeprose at Southampton police station by calling 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.