Shoplifter sprays Northampton store owner's face with "unknown substance"

A Northampton mini-market owner was sprayed in the face after trying to stop a late-night shoplifter.

Police confirmed the store owner suffered no lasting injury while the thief fled with four cans of beer from Northants News on the Kettering Road.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire Constabulary said: "A man went into the store, picked up a pack of four cans of beer and left without paying. The owner of the store followed the man outside the store and challenged him.

"The man sprayed the store owner with an unknown substance, which caused some irritation but fortunately there was no lasting physical injury. Following the attack the man left the scene.

"This incident happened between 10.50pm and 11pm on Tuesday, January 21. Officers investigating the incident believe this man may have information which could assist with their enquiries and are appealing for him or anyone who may recognise him, to get in touch.

"We would ask anyone with information or who may have seen this incident to call us on 101 quoting reference number 20000039969."