Watch the terrifying moment a shoplifter attacks Tesco worker with a knife

CCTV captures the terrifying moment a shoplifter attacks a staff at a Tesco Express store in Bristol with a knife - before running back to smash the door as the frightened workers stood behind it.

The early-morning incident took place at the shop in Malborough Street in the city centre, and started when 33-year-old Josh James was challenged as he tried to make off with items without paying.

The staff member was able to get the stolen goods back, despite James’ partner Bobbie Reynolds also being there with knife. But it did not stop there, and James took the knife and lunged at the workers.

When the staff then shut the doors, James returned to violently kick and smash the glass - before he and Reynolds made off. Thankfully, no-one was injured. The whole incident was caught on CCTV and helped convict the pair.

James, of no fixed address, and Reynolds, of Leinster Avenue, were then linked to a string of other burglaries and knife-point robberies - and on June 30 they were convicted.

James robbed a man on three separate occasions, and committed a string of burglaries at a student accommodation block and a block of flats in Lewins Mead. Reynolds also targeted a block of business offices and made off with high-value laptops.

James pleaded guilty to 18 offences was jailed for eight years. Reynolds, 30, pleaded guilty to affray, being in possession of a bladed article, battery and four counts of burglary and was given a two-year sentence suspended for two years.

Investigating officer, PC Hannah Baynham, said: “Through witnesses and good quality CCTV, we were able to link James and Reynolds’ series of crimes and hold them to account for the impact they have had on the victims.

“Burglary and robbery are extremely seriously crimes and we recognise the profound impact offences can have on victims, leaving them feeling unsafe in their homes and workplaces. James is dangerous and it is clear from the extent of his offending, that he has no awareness of the impact his actions have had on the lives of others.

“I hope his sentence will be welcomed by his victims and I hope Reynolds makes the most of her rehabilitation activities.”