POLICE have this week released a CCTV image of a suspected shoplifter who allegedly knocked down an elderly woman whilst fleeing staff.

The incident happened at about 11.40am on Tuesday, February 14, outside Marks and Spencer on Cheltenham high street.

The offender was said to have ran through the Pittville Street exit to evade staff and ploughed into the 76-year-old woman, making no attempt to stop and help her even though she was clearly hurt.

Fortunately, her injuries to her arms, ribs and face were not serious, but she was left shaken and upset.

The man is white, aged in his early thirties and about 5ft 8ins tall.

He was wearing a heavy, black coat with the hood up, blue jeans and black trainers.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting incident 225 of February.