A VIOLENT assailant attacked a petrol station worker before stealing a car in the early hours of this morning (Wednesday August 30).
A man described as white with an Eastern European accent targeted the Gibbetts Cross Service Station on the A5 in Rugby at around 4.30am.
The man – who was wearing a dark flat cap, an olive green ‘North Face’ jacket, a grey tracksuit and white trainers – put a member of staff in a headlock, rendering him unconscious and throwing him to the ground.
He then stole cigarettes and alcohol before driving off in the victim’s car, a silver Vauxhall Astra.
Detective Inspector Paul Thompson from Warwickshire Police said: “The garage worker was violently assaulted as he went about his business, leaving him with a head injury for which he is currently receiving hospital treatment.
“We are appealing for anyone who saw the assault or saw someone travelling southbound on the A5 in a silver Vauxhall Astra in the early hours of this morning.
“We know that the vehicle was involved in a single vehicle collision a short time later, close to junction 16 of the M1, with the occupant leaving the scene.
“It is possible the suspect may have been seen exiting a HGV lorry parked in a lay-by near to Gibbets Cross Service Station prior to the robbery and so we are appealing for lorry drivers who may have given a lift to anyone matching the description of the suspect, or who saw them getting out of a lorry, to get in touch.”
Call 101 quoting reference 49 of 30 August 2017, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.
