A suspected thief "spat" at a Tesco worker before "racially abusing" them in store in Bournemouth.

On Wednesday, February 28, a man reportedly tried to leave Tesco Express in Southbourne Grove when he was challenged by an employee because he "didn’t pay for the items".

But after being spoken to, the customer racially abused the worker, Dorset Police said.

Officers say the man then spat at the member of staff and pushed them.

On Wednesday, February 28, a man reportedly tried to leave Tesco Express in Southbourne Grove (stock image)

The force added that a Stanley knife was also found inside the suspect's bag following a search.

At 9.10pm police arrested a 53-year-old man from Bournemouth on suspicion of a string of offences.

He was arrested on suspicion of racially or religiously aggravated assault occasioning actual bodily harm, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and theft.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "He has been released on police bail as enquiries continue."

Last month, Tesco staff were left "distressed" after a thug carried out a knife-point robbery in West Sussex.

Alfie Reedman, of Westergate Close in Ferring, threatened to use the weapon to intimidate those in the store in Goring-by-Sea, into handing over cash.

He stole hundreds of pounds and the next day attempted to steal money from two other stores in Salvington and Worthing.

However, he was unsuccessful in taking any more money and was arrested by police shortly afterwards.

A suspected thief 'spat at' a Tesco worker before 'racially abusing' them in store in Bournemouth

Detective Inspector Gary Jacobs said: "These incidents caused huge amounts of distress to shop workers and it is not something anyone should have to experience when going to work, and we will make sure we continue to firmly tackle business crime across the force.

"This result is brilliant and is totally deserved.

"It will bring peace of mind to those who work at the stores he targeted and hopefully his time in the Young Offenders Institution will help Reedman rehabilitate."