DETECTIVES hunting a man who hurled racist abuse at a Southampton security guard have released CCTV images in a bid to catch him.

Police want to speak to the man shown in the images captured on camera at the 99p shop in Bitterne Precinct in connection with two verbal attacks on the store's security guard.

Officers were called after the second incident when a man, who had been in the shop with a woman pushing a child in a pushchair, left the store before coming straight back in and threatening to assault the guard and hurling racist abuse at him.

It came a month after he threatened the same security guard when asked to remove his hood in line with the shop policy.

Police have released CCTV of both incidents, the second of which happened at around 10.20am on January 16.

Anyone who recognises the man in the pictures or has any information about the incident should call PC Rory Stuart at Bitterne Police Station on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.