Detectives are appealing for witnesses and information following an assault in a shop in Stevenage town centre over the weekend. 

On Saturday, March 11, at around 410pm, a member of staff at Sports Direct attempted to apprehend a suspected shop lifter. It was reported that the member of staff was then punched in the face. 

Officers attended and a man was arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH) and theft from a shop.  

He has since been released on police bail pending further enquiries.  

Detective Constable Richard Christian, who is investigating, said: "Thankfully, the victim was not seriously injured. Our investigation is ongoing at this time and we are now appealing for anyone with information to make contact with us. 

"The town centre was busy at this time on a weekend, and we believe that several people may have witnessed this incident taking place, either inside the store or directly outside of it. If you did, and have not yet spoken to police yet, please get in touch." 

Anyone with information is asked to please email DC Christian at [email protected]  

You can also report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/20321/23.