A COUPLE are being hunted after a shopkeeper was stabbed as he tried to stop them stealing.

The victim was working in the Top of the Brew, in Chorley Old Road, Bolton, when he disturbed a man and woman attempting to take a bottle of spirits without paying.

As the shopkeeper followed them outside, police say the man turned around and stabbed him in the left ear.

Prior to the assault, the woman is alleged to have shouted "Stab him, stab him."

The stab wound was not serious and the victim has since made a full recovery.

Police have released a CCTV photograph of a man and a woman they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

They are appealing for help from the public in identifying the pair.

Det Con Paul Saboor, of Bolton CID said: "This was a violent and aggressive attack on a member of the public who was already a victim of a Crime.

"He was attempting to apprehend the offender when he was attacked.

"I would appeal to anyone who recognises the man and the woman in the photograph to contact us."

The man is described as white, aged 25, 6ft, of medium build, with short light hair. He was wearing a blue jacket and a navy blue tracksuit with two white stripes around the lower part of legs.

The woman was the same age, with long dark hair. She was wearing a yellow T-shirt, blue jeans and black shoes.

The incident happened on April 7 at 9pm.

Anyone with information should contact Bolton CID on 0161 856 5740 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting crime reference 101310Q/04.