A SHOPWORKER was punched in the face by yobs after they targeted the store with stones.

An investigation has been launched after four yobs carried out the attack in Town Square, Basildon, on Saturday afternoon.

Police reported that the four yobs had been told by the staff member, a 48-year-old man, to leave to store shortly after 2pm because of their anti-social behaviour.

The yobs left, but then began throwing stones at the front of the store, so the staff member approached them again.

It was at this time one of the yobs punched the man in the face.

He fell to the floor and suffered a cut to his lip, which required hospital treatment.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Police were contacted at 2.35pm on Saturday following reports that a shopworker had been assaulted.

"The 48-year-old victim approached a group of up to four young people at a shop in Basildon's Town Square to ask them to leave after they were causing a nuisance.

"The group began throwing stones at the shop prompting the victim to speak to them a second time.

"During the conversation one of the group punched the victim to the face, causing him to fall to the floor and to suffer a cut to his lip.

"The man was taken to hospital for treatment."

Police are appealing for any witnesses of the assault.

Call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.