A petrol station is increasing its night staffing after an attendant was the victim of a racist attacker.

The attacker lashed out at the 55-year-old BP filling station attendant at the Boreham service area in Chelmsford because he was refused access to the shop at night time.

Staff shortages meant the victim had to tend the site in Colchester Road alone through a night pay hatch and lock the doors.

When the shop was open fully hours later, the thug returned and punched the member of staff.

A BP spokesman said night staff will be doubled to four instead of two to deter future aggression on isolated staff.

He said: "As a result of the incident four people will be on duty. Our concerns are to help police with their inquiries and the safety of our staff and customers."

A police spokesman said they were treating the attack as a racially aggravated assault as the thug directed racial insults towards his victim.

The suspect was described as being of a large build, 30 to 35 years-old, 6ft tall, with a shaven head with long side-burns down to his chin.

He was wearing a dark suit and white shirt and drove off in a blue Ford Scorpio car.

Anyone with information should call Dec Con Brendon Cox on 01245 491212

Published Thursday, January 30, 2003

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