POLICE have released an image of a man wanted in connection with a van theft in Boothstown.

The 24-year-old victim was standing by an Arnold Clark hire vehicle, a 12-reg white Ford Luton, parked on Simpson Road when the robber approached.

He pushed the victim over, knocking her to the floor before getting into the vehicle and driving off towards Chaddock Lane.

The victim was uninjured but left distressed by what happened.

Officers have now issued a CCTV image of the suspect.

The offender was described as white and wearing a yellow high visibility jacket and dark bottoms.

He was later seen wearing a dark baseball cap, light coloured T-shirt, dark bottoms and dark shoes.

Det Con Horace Bell, fromSwinton CID, said: “Thankfully the victim wasn’t physically injured, but that doesn’t lessen the impact of this crime.

“He deserves the peace of mind of seeing this man locked up, so I am appealing to anyone who has information to come forward.

“If you either witnessed what happened, or saw a white Ford Luton van registration number SG62 NJY being driven in or around the area at about the time of the robbery, we need to speak to you.

“We have now issued a picture of the suspect and want people to take a look and let us know if you recognise him.”

The incident happened at around 1pm on Friday, October 5.

Anyone with information should call CID on 0161 856 5470 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.