The incident caused some damage to the popular café(Image: Hatter House Cafe)

An incident where a man attacked members of staff and smashed a café in the centre of Bristol is being investigated by police after the attacker was captured on CCTV.

Police were called to the Hatter House Café in Broadmead at around 3.25pm on Friday, July 25.

The offender had tried to steal a number of drink items before leaving the café and when he was challenged, he threw the items at a member of staff as glass shattered on his face.

It is reported he then returned with a face covering and entered the café.

(Image: Hatter House Cafe)

Avon and Somerset Police said that the door to the café was slammed, causing the glass to crack and threw a chair at a glass cabinet.

The police are appealing for witnesses to come forward as part of the investigation.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “We were called to a café at Broadmead following an incident at around 3.25pm on Friday, July 25.

“An unknown suspect is reported to have entered the premises to steal items and, when challenged, has thrown the items at staff, causing no significant injuries.

“The offender also reportedly slammed the door to the café, causing the glass to crack, repeatedly struck a staff member over the head, and threw a chair at a glass cabinet.

“Any witnesses to the incident, or those with mobile phone footage in the moments leading up to the incident, are urged to call 101 quoting reference number 5225210229, or complete our online appeals form.”

(Image: Hatter House Cafe)

An employee who works at the cafe, Obada Kanawati, told Bristol Live: “The man stole a few bottles of juice and coke on the day but when I went out and confronted him he threw it at me shattering it in my face and then rushed to attack me. I had him in a headlock for a time and asked those walking by to contact the police.

“Some people got between us and he tried a few jabs at me and then turned around and ran away. This was near the Sainsbury’s entrance.

“I then went to a member of the public to give me the video they recorded and as I did that he looped back around and that’s when he ran into the shop wearing the face covering.”