A SHOP assistant was head-butted after he caught a shoplifter stealing alcohol from a store.

The thief put several bottles of alcohol in his jacket before going to the till to pay for a large packet of crisps.

He had earlier been spotted walking up and down the alcohol aisle in the Co-op, in Queen Street, Great Harwood, several times.

While paying for the crisps, police say he became agitated and argued about the price.

He then left the store without paying for the drink and was challenged by a member of staff and detained outside the store.

The thief threatened the assistant and head-butted him before walking off down the street.

Among the items stolen were a bottle of Gordons gin, a bottle of Bacardi and two boxed bottles of Johnny Walker whisky.

The haul was later found in a hedge near Princess Street, Great Harwood, apart from one bottle of whisky worth £20.

The offender was white, 25 to 30, 5ft 11in to 6ft 1in and very thin with short blond hair with a longer fringe. He was wearing a black jacket and grey pants.

The incident happened between 6pm and 6.20pm on Monday .

Anyone with any information or who witnessed the incident can call Great Harwood police on 01254 353334 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.