Surveillance footage shows the moment an employee was attacked as she tried to stop suspects from stealing wigs at a beauty supply store in Houston, Texas.

Video released by the Houston Police Department's robbery division shows the staff member confronting a female suspect about a stolen wig in her purse on 17 April.

A male suspect then approaches the employee before slapping her in the face.

Other suspects then rush to grab wigs before running out of the store without paying.

Houston Police are seeking the public's help to identify the suspects.