Police in Sandwell, West Midlands, have released images of a man they want to trace after he assaulted a petrol station worker and stole cash.

The man, described as black, around 30 years old, 5’6 with cropped or shaven black hair and stubble, was caught on CCTV as he struck at the Esso Petrol Station in Hamstead Road, Great Barr, on Friday November 14 between 8.35-8.40pm.

He walked into the shop and asked for cigarettes. As the cashier opened the till, the man reached over the counter and grabbed the cash register. During the theft, there was a struggle, during which the 43-year-old male worker was injured.

PC Mike Bradley from Sandwell Police Acquisitive Crime Team, said: “The man shown in these images is wanted for this offence and a number of other business robberies. The incident had a massive impact on the staff, who are understandably left horrified by the attack.

“We are working with the store managers to support the staff and I would appeal for anyone who recognises this individual to contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers confidentially on 0800 555111.”