A THUG shopper believed to have been stealing from Sainsbury's beat the store boss when he was challenged.

The manager searched the man at the Sainsbury's Local shop in North Street, Brighton, and the brute became aggressive and punched his victim in the face several times.

The boss needed hospital treatment after the incident, which happened at 7.15am on July 4.

His attacker dropped a black mobile phone during the fight. It did not have a SIM card in it.

He then made off.

Police have now released a CCTV image of the suspect, which shows the manager lying on the floor.

The suspect is black, 5ft 10in, with black hair and facial hair.

He was wearing a grey hoodie and tracksuit bottoms, and grey/white trainers.

The man was also carrying a black backpack.

Anyone with information about the incident should call Sussex Police on 101 quoting serial 212 of 04/07.

You can also report anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.