A MAN stole thousands of pounds in cash from a Box store last Friday and then assaulted a member of staff as he made his escape.

Police believe the man entered the rear office of the Co-operative shop in High Street after walking through the store at 6.55pm.

DC Jo Spencer from Chippenham CID said the man made a run for it when he was disturbed by a male member of staff.

He said the offender had to shove past the staff member in order to flee from the office.

DC Spencer said: "We have got quite a few witnesses but we are appealing for anyone else who may have seen this man to come forward with information."

Co-op manager Michelle Weakley said she was not in the store at the time of the raid.

She said she was unable to comment on the incident.

The man is described as being in his 30s, of mixed race, and stocky. He had close-shaven hair that was balding on top and a short moustache.

The police hope to have a CD fit on the offender by the end of the week.

Witnesses can contact DC Spencer at Chippenham on (01249) 654455.