POLICE are searching for a Good Samaritan who may be the vital link in solving a daylight raid on a clothes shop.

The police made their appeal after a man walked into Burtons in Market Place, Chippenham, at around 4pm on Tuesday and snatched armfuls of mens' jeans.

He then ran from the shop and into neighbouring River Walk, where he started up what is believed to be a small, white, Mercedes van and after dumping the clothing into the back of it, drove away.

A female Burtons shop assistant chased the man from the shop, but was too late to catch him before he made his getaway through Borough Parade car park and onto the Avenue La Fleche.

However, a male member of the public told her he had seen the man and was able to give the van's registration number.

The shop assistant then returned to the store without getting the Good Samaritan's name.

Police have since checked the registration number and believe the van had been stolen. They now desperately want to talk to the helpful member of the public, who they believe may be able to give a description of the thief.

Pc Peter Fennell of Chippenham Police said: "This man could hold the key to tracing our suspect and we would be very grateful if he, or anyone else who may have seen the getaway, would phone me on (01249) 654455.