A MAN lashed out at a shop assistant in Colne Aldi, punching her arm.

Police are now hunting the man, who hit the 40-year-old checkout worker, causing bruising.

A police spokeswoman said: “The offender was in company with a woman and the victim heard the woman ask the man if he hit her on purpose.

“He replied that he had and carried on packing shopping unconcerned.”

Sgt Alison Crew, of Pendle Police, said: “This was completely unprovoked with no rational explanation and left the lady bruised and shocked.

“I would appeal to anybody that knows who this man is to contact police on 101, quoting crime reference FE1302075.

The man is described as white, about 50 years old, of large build with brown hair.

He was wearing a long coat and a black and yellow scarf.

The assault took place around 5.30pm on Thursday, November 21 at the store in the North Valley Retail Park.