Police are hunting a man and woman after a Downham Tesco security guard trying to stop a shoplifter was smashed over the head with a wine bottle.

The attack happened on February 28 at around 10pm at the Bromley Road branch.

A 49 year old security guard stopped a woman  for shoplifting after she tried to exit the store and the alarm went off.

The man she was with attempted to barge past the security guard and, when challenged outside the shop, struck him over the head with a wine bottle. The guard was then stabbed in the hands as he tried to protect himself.

Their victim, who has not yet returned to work, was left with injuries to his face and hands.

The first suspect is described a black man, in his late 20s, of slim build with a shaved head. He was wearing a black bomber jacket, baggy blue jeans, a dark scarf and dark gloves, plus a dark bag.

Police also want to trace a black woman, in her 20s, of slim build, wearing a dark padded waist length jacket, dark trousers and black and white checked shirt.

Detective Constable Martin Smith of Lewisham CID said: "He received very nasty injuries which have kept him from returning to work and we are keen to catch these people before they do it again."

Anyone with information should call Lewisham CID on 020 8284 8468 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.