An Oakham supermarket employee needed hospital treatment after being hit in the face by a suspected shoplifter.

The incident happened at the Co-op store in Braunston Road on New Year's Eve (31 Dec), sometime between 7.10pm and 7.35pm.

A Leicestershire Police spokesman told Oakham Nub News: "Beer was stolen from a store in Braunston Road, Oakham.

"A worker in the store challenged a man outside he suspected responsible for stealing the beer and was struck in the face sustaining an injury to his eye."

A spokesperson for Central England Co-operative today confirmed the incident took place at the company's Braunston Road store.

"As a result, a colleague was injured and taken to hospital for treatment.

"We are giving our full support to the police as they conduct their investigation," he added.

Leicestershire Police are appealing to anyone with information to call 101 quoting crime reference 19*698390.