A one-legged shopkeeper was taken to hospital after he was pushed from a ladder by yobs and fell, smashing his head and shoulder onto the pavement.

Roy Crow, 56, who owns Smith greengrocers in Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff, was wearing his artificial leg to stand on a ladder to set up the shop for the day when he was pushed just before 6am on Wednesday.

He was rushed to hospital and had to stay in overnight because of concussion and pain caused by injured ribs.

A male and female wearing black hooded tops were seen running away from the scene.

Shop manager Mark Bannister said: "He had to stay in hospital for observation because of concussion and his injuries were causing some pain.

"He was up the ladder putting the blinds up and he was knocked off the ladder.

The fact the youths ran away suggests it wasn't accidental. He had the floodlights on as well so he could easily be seen.

"By hooking one blind up, his head must have been ten to 12 feet from the pavement.

"Hopefully he will be home for Christmas - knowing him, I'm sure he'll cajole the doctor into letting him out."

Anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact PC Dan Jordan on 01702 431212.