Billericay Police are appealing for help to track down a vicious robber who rained punches on a brave shop assistant as they struggled over a £21 bottle of champagne.

The assistant's ordeal began at around 8.30pm on Sunday when a man walked into Unwins off license on Western Road and asked for two bottles of champagne.

The assistant, who is in his 40s and has only been working in the shop for a week, put the bottles in a plastic bag and asked for the money.

But the robber snatch-ed the bag and punched the assistant several times in the face, forcing him to let go. He then ran off with one of the bottles.

The blood-soaked victim was taken to Basildon Hospital, where he received five stitches in a face wound.

His attacker is described as a white man in his 20s, of medium to heavy build and 5ft 7in height. He was wearing a blue and white woolly hat and a blue polo shirt.

Sgt Darren Lewis at Billericay Police Station said: "This was an appalling assault for something of so little value, and I do think, for the sake of other shop assistants, especially those that work at night, we need to catch him."

Anyone with information should ring Wickford CID on 01268 561312 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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