CCTV footage has been released showing a youth kicking a police officer in the face during a chaotic arrest at a Melbourne shopping centre.

An officer was crouching on the ground while attempting to arrest a 16-year-old boy for alleged shoplifting at Highpoint Shopping Centre on Tuesday afternoon when another boy ran up and kicked him in the face.

The scuffle, which was captured on CCTV, unfolded in front of shocked Boxing Day shoppers before the assailant ran from the centre into the car park.

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CCTV footage has been released showing a youth kicking a police officer in the face during a chaotic arrest at a Melbourne shopping centre

Police have released images of a person (pictured, left, right) they believe can assist them with their enquiries

The teen who assaulted the officer was then captured on video again, hiding from police behind a parked car before he fled.

He is yet to be found.

The senior constable sustained non-life threatening injuries and was taken to hospital.

'It could have been a lot worse and I'm pleased to report he's returned to work today,' Superintendent Therese Fitzgerald told reporters on Wednesday.

An officer was crouching on the ground while attempting to arrest a 16-year-old boy for alleged shoplifting at Highpoint Shopping Centre on Tuesday afternoon when another boy ran up and kicked him in the face

'He's got bruising to his eye but is in very good spirits.'

A 16-year-old Flemington boy was arrested over the alleged theft but has been released pending further inquiries.

Police are wanting to speak to a teen who is described as African in appearance and was wearing a white top and black bandana and may be able to assist with enquiries.

The scuffle, which was captured on CCTV, unfolded in front of shocked Boxing Day shoppers before the assailant ran from the centre into the car park