A man who attempted to steal food from a Maldon supermarket tricked security staff into letting him get away.

The man left Morrisons, in Limebrook Way, just after noon on December 13 with a full trolley, which he had not paid for.

When he was challenged, the items inside the trolley were recovered.

It is believed that while he was escorted back to the store he was allowed to go back to a black Citroen.

He then drove off.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Police are making enquiries to track the man responsible, who is described as being aged in his 40s, 6ft tall, white and wearing jeans and a t-shirt.”

A Morrisons spokesperson said:  “We have a zero tolerance approach to theft.

"Shoplifting often involves the threat of or actual violence towards colleagues and is not a victimless crime as many think. 

"Our store security colleagues work closely with the police to identify and catch anyone attempting to take goods without paying.”