A MAN recently stole two items from J'Adore in Whitby then assaulted the shop manager, police say.

North Yorkshire Police are now appealing for witnesses and information about the incident.

The theft happened at J’Adore at around 3.15pm on Saturday, December 16, and was followed by the assault on Sandgate shortly afterwards.

Police say that a man stole two items from J’Adore and was then pursued by the store manager on to Sandgate.

Here, the suspect "assaulted the store manager before returning the stolen items".

Police say the suspect is described as white, aged in his late 40s, around 5’11” in height with short dark messy hair.

He was wearing dark converse style trainers, dark jeans and a dark leather-look jacket.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation can contact police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Marie Williams.

They can also email marie.williams1212@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

Information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12170224753.