A security guard was stabbed in the stomach after a sickening confrontation in a Merseyside branch of Farmfoods.
The victim was knifed after what police termed an "altercation" with a suspected shoplifter".
Customers were in the store in Boundary Road, St Helens at the time of the stabbing which happened around 3.45pm on Saturday.
The suspected shoplifter fled the store after stabbing his victim who was taken to hospital.
It is not thought his injuries are life threatening, say police.
Police have now launched a witness appeal as they hunt for the knifeman.
A spokesman told the ECHO: "At 3.45pm on Saturday 19 October, emergency services were called to Farmfoods in Boundary Road, St Helens, to reports of an altercation between a suspected shoplifter and a security guard, during which the security guard sustained a stab wound to his stomach."
He added: "He has been taken to hospital for assessment of his injuries, which are thought to be non-life threatening."
The culprit is described as a white male around 5ft 8in tall, with dark hair, wearing a grey tracksuit and black trainers.
CCTV, forensic and witness enquiries will be ongoing and officers remain in the area to provide reassurance.
Anyone who witnessed this incident is asked to contact @MerpolCC, call 101 with reference 19100607404 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
