Staff attacked by shoplifting suspects outside Cannock Dunelm
Staff were attacked outside the store where they work after confronting suspected shoplifters.
Two workers from Dunelm in Cannock were assaulted at the store – with one member of staff needing hospital treatment.
A man and woman were involved in the incident at the Linkway Retail Park store.
Staffordshire Police were called to the scene off the A5 near Longford Island at about 5pm on Tuesday after receiving reports of the disorder.
The suspect is described as a man wearing an all-black tracksuit, who left the scene with another man and two women in a red Peugeot 208.
The vehicle had Irish number plates.
Officers said the workers were attacked after challenging a group who were believed to have been shoplifting.
The female victim was taken to New Cross Hospital as a precaution.
A photo of the vehicle was posted on social media by Carl Hardiman, who added: "Anyone know where this vehicle is please, inform police straight away.
"Just assaulted a 55-year-old employee from Dunelm Longford Cannock.
"She suffered a bad head injury, apparently the vehicle got on the toll road at Norton Canes."
The appeal has been shared on Facebook more than 1,500 times.
A spokesman for Staffordshire Police said: "It has since transpired that the victims were staff members, who had challenged a group who they believed to have been shop lifting.
"The offender is described as a man wearing an all-black tracksuit, he left the scene accompanied by a second man and two women in a red Peugeot 208 with Irish number plates."
Any witnesses are asked to call Staffordshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 616 of September 19.
Alternatively, information can be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
