A SHOP manager was punched to the ground and kicked after confronting a pair of youths who stole 16 cans of beer from his Southampton store.

The two teenagers walked into Esgros in Regents Park Road, Shirley and stole the alcohol.

When the 21-year-old shop manager spotted the pair he chased them outside.

However the two youths aged 16 and 17 punched and kicked the manager to the ground causing him to suffer facial cuts, bruising and grazes.

The attackers escaped but were nearly hit by a passing car which caused them to drop their stolen beer.

Anyone with any information about the incident between 5.30pm and 5.45pm last Tuesday is asked to contact the Street Robbery Investigation Team at Southampton Central police station on 0845 045 45 45.