A row broke out after a child accidentally walked into a pushchair at Asda supermarket in Strelley Road, broxtowe/">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.”
More from Nottinghamshire Police
View all Nottinghamshire Police coverage
- Police Hunt Wanted Man Over Nottingham Sexual Assault
- Fatal Car Collision Claims Life Near Sutton-Ashfield Golf Club
- Stalker Jailed for Relentless Harassment Campaign
- Murder Probe Launched After Woman Found Dead in Milton
- Two Kids Injured in Shocking Bike-Car Smash in Nottingham
- Man’s Body Found in Car Pulled from River Trent
More from Nottinghamshire Police
View all Nottinghamshire Police coverage
- Police Hunt Wanted Man Over Nottingham Sexual Assault
- Fatal Car Collision Claims Life Near Sutton-Ashfield Golf Club
- Stalker Jailed for Relentless Harassment Campaign
- Murder Probe Launched After Woman Found Dead in Milton
- Two Kids Injured in Shocking Bike-Car Smash in Nottingham
- Man’s Body Found in Car Pulled from River Trent
More from Nottinghamshire Police
View all Nottinghamshire Police coverage
- Police Hunt Wanted Man Over Nottingham Sexual Assault
- Fatal Car Collision Claims Life Near Sutton-Ashfield Golf Club
- Stalker Jailed for Relentless Harassment Campaign
- Murder Probe Launched After Woman Found Dead in Milton
- Two Kids Injured in Shocking Bike-Car Smash in Nottingham
- Man’s Body Found in Car Pulled from River Trent