A UNION boss has called for harsher sentences for those who attack shop workers after figures revealed almost 30 are assaulted every day in the region.

The statistics were revealed after a woman working at a Bournemouth store was punched in the face by an alleged shoplifter the early hours of Tuesday morning.

A manhunt was launched after reports that the woman was attacked as she worked at Co-operative Food in Charminster Road.

Around eight police cars, a dog unit and the police helicopter joined the search after the incident, which allegedly took place after two men stole beer from the branch.

Members of the public reportedly also attempted to chase the attacker.

Now shopworkers' trade union leader John Hannett has spoken out against the assault and said that last year 27 members of staff were assaulted each day in the south west.

The figures are above the national average.

"Life on the frontline of retail can be pretty tough for many shopworkers and there is still a lot to do to help protect them," said Mr Hannett, of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers.

"All too often criminals who assault staff are not even sent to court, and those who are can receive derisory sentences. In other cases, where the offender often isn’t charged at all, victims are left feeling that no one cares that they were assaulted.

“Retail crime remains too high and there needs to be action to protect shopworkers."

In addition, around 34 per cent of shopworkers reported being threatened by customers - the third highest figure in the country - while more than half in the region have been verbally abused.

President of the Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Peter Matthews, condemned the attack.

"Many of our members are retailers, and we understand the difficulties they face, particularly those operating in units late at night, which can be lonely and isolating," he said.

"There is no excuse for violence under any circumstances. It is shocking to hear that this lady has been assaulted."

Emergency services were called to the Co-operative at around 1.25am on Tuesday after reports of an assault, and the store was closed while officers began an investigation.

Paramedics treated one female casualty for a facial injury.

She didn't need to be taken to hospital.

A spokesperson from Dorset Police said: "Officers were called to a report of shoplifting at the Co-operative in Charminster Road, Bournemouth, at around 1.25am on Tuesday.

"It was reported that two men entered the store and stole beer and during the incident, it is alleged that one also assaulted a member of staff."

A spokesperson from The Co-operative Food yesterday said: “I can confirm that a member of staff received minor injuries during an alleged shoplifting incident at our store in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

"Our colleague is at home recovering and is receiving our full support following the incident.

"CCTV footage has been passed to the police, who are investigating, and we would appeal for anyone with any information to come forward.”

One man has now been arrested.

Aiden Sammon, 22, of Bournemouth, has been charged with theft.

He is due to appear at Bournemouth Magistrates' Court on September 16.