A charity shop worker was punched in the face by an enraged customer after she refused him a £3 refund for a faulty clock.

Sue Oliver, 62, suffered a black eye and cuts to her cheek during the shop rage attack at the Age Concern branch in Sutton High Street.

An abusive man in a deerstalker hat had complained he was wrongly sold a timepiece but took exception after being asked to produce a receipt.

He thumped his fists on the till before knocking Mrs Oliver to the floor in the dispute on January 18. He left only when a shopper handed him three pound coins.

Mrs Oliver told the Sutton Guardian: "People will probably think why didn't you just give him £3', but he could have been anybody. He could have wanted the £3 for drinking money.

"I just asked him if he would please mind leaving the shop.

He went on ranting and raving then hit me, sending my glasses flying. I'm just glad the till didn't open.

"I came back into work the next day but couldn't stay because I was shaken. I am very wary now but most of the customers we have in here are lovely, so I haven't been disillusioned."

Age Concern is considering fitting CCTV cameras after the "shocking and frightening" assault. A spokeswoman said crime remained extremely rare in its shops.

"The welfare of our staff is our absolute priority, and we have been working closely with local police to help them with their investigation," she added.

The attacker is described as a stocky man in his 60s. He wore glasses and two hats. Anyone with any information is asked to call Detective Constable Glen Scutchings at Sutton police station on 020 8649 0747. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.