Two teenage girls suspected of smashing their way out of a shop window after beating up a staff member in central Croydon have been arrested.

Both 17-year-olds have been arrested on suspicion of GBH, and one on suspicion of criminal damage.

Shortly before 5pm on Tuesday, officers were called to Holland and Barrett in North End, responding to reports that a staff member, aged in her 40s, had been assaulted and was suffering a head injury.

Police believe the member of staff challenged two female shoplifters, who responded by punching her in the head.

The injured woman was taken to a south London hospital where her condition was assessed as non-life-threatening.

Footage circulating online shows the two suspects kicking through the store's glass door before fleeing in the direction of West Croydon.

One of them appears to punch a woman blocking the door in the head number of times.

The video, uploaded to Twitter, shows a group of onlookers gathered outside the shop watching as the suspects smash their way through the entrance.

After the door opens, one member of the crowd appears to apprehend one of the suspects, before another intervenes, forcing him to release her.

Holland & Barrett has said it will be working with authorities to ensure the wellbeing on the employee involved.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Croydon police on 101 quoting CAD6016/23JULY, Tweet @MetCC, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.