A supermarket boss was punched in the face after tackling a man who was trying to make off with four tins of tuna.

Police are investigating after Iceland manager Daniel Green was attacked in the Gillingham High Street store.

He was left with bruising and swelling after confronting the thug as he tried to leave the premises at 11am last Wednesday (Mar 6).

The 34-year-old told KentOnline he became suspicious after noticing his attacker entering the store through at exit door.

He said: “It’s unusual for anyone to come in that way as the doors only open one way.

“I thought it was odd so I stayed down by the checkouts where I could keep an eye on him.

“He looked at some alcohol and sweets before picking up a four-pack of tuna and putting it in his empty carrier bag.

“He then walked through the checkout area without paying.

Mr Green stood by the doorway to confront the man but as he tried to grab the bag from his hand, he was punched in the side of the face.

The dad-of-two added: “He chose to punch me when I wasn’t looking. At the time it didn’t hurt it was more of the daze that hit me.

“Afterwards I just started pushing him out trying to get him out of the shop.

“I think he was out to punch someone that day. There was a clear way around me which he could’ve gone if he tried to run off, but he decided to hit me.”

The assault left Mr Green with swelling on his right cheek and bruising around his eye socket that is still visible a week later.

“It only really started hurting the days after,” he said. “I took Thursday off work but by Friday I was back to normal duties.”

The store boss phoned 999 after the attack but was told no one would attend as the attacker had left the scene.

He has since given a statement and CCTV of the incident to officers. A police spokesman said: “We are investigating a report of an assault.

“The incident happened when a member of staff asked a man if he could check his bag as he was leaving the High Street premises.

“I thought it was odd so I stayed down by the checkouts where I could keep an eye on him.”

“It is alleged the man then assaulted the shop employee before leaving the scene.

“The victim suffered facial bruising and officers are appealing for anyone with information that may assist their enquiries to call 01634 792209, quoting crime reference 46/37273/24.”

The High Street is problem area for crime. Last year a 17-year-old was left fighting for his life after being stabbed – two teenagers have since been jailed for the attack.

Mr Green feels the road has become a hotspot for crime calling it a “rough area” which needs a higher police presence.

Iceland was asked for comment about the incident.