POLICE have released a photo of a man they would like to identify in connection with a theft from a Rayleigh supermarket.

A man attempted to steal a bottle of rum from Asda in Rawreth Lane on Friday January 16 at around 5.20pm by concealing it in his coat while he made a purchase.

He handed the bottle to a staff member who challenged him, but then ran away from the shop.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Paul Ledger at Rayleigh Retail Crime unit on 101.

People can also give information to the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.