A row broke out after a child accidentally walked into a pushchair at Asda supermarket in Strelley Road, Broxtowe.
The man with the pushchair became angry and started being abusive towards the child.
The child’s father then intervened and an argument between the two adults broke out.
A short time later, the child’s mother confronted the man who had earlier shouted at her child after she spotted him outside the supermarket.
Again, angry words were exchanged and the man spat in her face. He then picked up a glass bottle and threw it at a wall.
Police were called but the suspect had fled the scene.
Sergeant Declan Bourne, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was a very distressing incident and such vile behaviour will not be tolerated in our communities.
“We are keen to speak to the man pictured in the CCTV image as we believe he may be able to assist with our enquiries.
“Anyone who recognises him is asked to call us on 101, quoting crime reference 22*4432.”
