Robber beats up defenceless petrol station cashier

A police investigation is under way after a knife-wielding thief assaulted and threatened a petrol station cashier and left him with two head wounds and 14 stitches.

Footage shows the maskless robber approach the member of staff after he is challenged for trying to leave without paying for a bottle of spirits and a can of beer at an Esso petrol station in Selly Park, Birmingham, on March 14.

The suspect then holds the shop assistant and repeatedly punches him on the head as the worker stretches out his arm in an attempt to protect himself.

The robber approaches the cashier behind the counter at an Esso petrol station in Selly Park, Birmingham, on March 14

During the footage, which was released by West Midlands Police, the robber walks behind the counter towards the cashier after he is challenged.

The suspect, who is wearing a grey T-shirt and black tracksuit bottoms, grabs hold of the worker and lands a series of powerful punches to his head.

The shop assistant holds out his arm in an attempt to protect himself as the thief continues to punch him.  

Following the incident, which took place at 7.15pm, police said the victim was left with two head wounds, one requiring 14 stitches, as well as bruising to his face, body and arms. 

A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: ‘We’ve launched an appeal for information after a cashier was assaulted and threatened with a knife at a petrol station on Pershore Road, Birmingham. 

‘The suspect entered Esso in Selly Park at around 7.15pm on 14 March. He picked up a bottle of spirits and a can of beer and tried to leave without paying.

‘When challenged by a cashier, he launched into a violent attack. 

‘The cashier attempted to detain the suspect until police arrived but was hit over the head with a glass bottle multiple times before being threatened with a knife.

The suspect grabs hold of the shop worker and lands a series of powerful punches to his head

The cashier puts his arm out in front of him in an attempt to protect himself as the robber continues to punch him

‘The victim has been left with two head wounds, one requiring fourteen stitches, as well as bruising to his face, body and arms.

‘As part of our investigation we’ve released CCTV of the attack. If you know who the man in the footage is, please get in touch as soon as you can.

‘He’s been described as black, 5ft 5ins tall and around 25-years-old. At the time of the offence he was wearing a thick, black, winter jacket, a light colour t-shirt and a face covering. He spoke with a Birmingham accent.’     

Anyone with information can contact police via live chat, 101, or anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting 20BW/73001G/21.