A SHOP worker was elbowed in the face when a man reached into his till and grabbed hundreds of pounds.

Cleveland Police are hunting the thief who entered the Kwik Save store in Middlesbrough through an exit door.

He stood behind the male cashier at about 3.55pm on Wednesday and waited for the till to open.

A police spokeswoman said: "He elbowed the cashier in the face and grabbed a couple of hundred pounds before escaping."

Detective Sergeant Adrian Bradley, of Middlesbrough CID, is appealing for witnesses in the hunt for the thief.

He is described as 5ft 8in, of skinny build with a tanned complexion. He was wearing a white top and dark blue Adidas tracksuit bottoms.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Middlesbrough CID on (01642) 303126.