Police are hunting a thug wielding a wheelbrace who threatened to stab a man at a petrol station.

The incident, which police believe was unprovoked, happened at the Costcutter petrol station, in Small Gains Avenue, Canvey, at around 6.30pm yesterday.

The victim was filling up his van when he was targeted by a young man driving a black Vauxhall Carlton.

He was verbally abused and the man said he was going to stab him. The thug then waved a wheelbrace at the man before jumping back into his Vauxhall and driving off at high speed.

Police said the man then stopped and blocked off other vehicles at the petrol station, before he eventually drove away. Jason Sculthorpe, crime reduction officer at Rayleigh police, said: "This was a very threatening and violent man.

"The victim said he had no idea why he was threatened and reported the incident to us because he was worried he could strike again. It could be the victim unknowingly pulled in front of the Vauxhall and the guy just flipped, or he might just be a nutter. Either way he is dangerous and we need to find him."

People with information should call Rayleigh police on 01268 775533.

Published Wednesday, April 9, 2003

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