Haggerston shop worker struck so hard in ‘unprovoked attack’ his skull was exposed

Police have released images of a man they want to speak to after a shop worker in Hackney was struck so hard in the head with a metal advertising board in a “savage and unprovoked” attack, that his skull was left exposed.

The serious assault took place outside the Food and Wine corner shop in Kingsland Road, Haggerston at 3.30am on Monday February 29.

A man allegedly hurled a metal cash sign at the 48-year-old shop worker victim after he refused to serve him ahead of other paying customers who were queuing.

According to Scotland Yard, the suspect assaulted the victim inside the shop and was asked to leave.

But when the victim followed him outside to make sure he left, he was struck with a metal cash point advertising board.

He was left bleeding profusely from the serious laceration, and needed 13 stitches at hospital.

PC Jo Giles, from Hackney’s violent crime unit, who is leading the investigation, said: “This was a savage and unprovoked attack on a hard-working gentleman merely doing his job in the shop.

“He was struck with such force with the improvised weapon that his skull was exposed.

“It is extremely lucky that medical intervention was administered so promptly otherwise the consequences to the victim could have been fatal.”

Police want to hear from anyone who may recognise the man shown in the CCTV images, who they believe may be able to assist in their enquiry, or who witnessed the assault.

Anyone with information should email jo.giles@met.pnn.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.