A SHOP supervisor who was assaulted by a teen as a gang stole ice cream, has said he feels uneasy at work.

The gang of about nine boys went into the Co-Op, in Calcutta Road, Tilbury and when they were confronted by the store supervisor one of the boys attacked the staff member.

The worker, Jimmy Didman 22, said he thinks he recognises the boys.

He said: “They came into the store and went over to the chiller.

“I then stood at the door to try and stop them from leaving, they got away with quite a bit of ice cream.

“It was a bit violent. It does make me feel uneasy because this is my place of work.

“They were all boys aged between 13 and 16-years-old.

“It is not the sort of thing you want to happen when you are at work.

“I don’t know what else to think about it really.

“It seems these days kids just think they can do what the like.

“I think these boys have been hanging about this area before and I expect to see them again in and around the area.”

Police are now appealing for information from the public about the shop incident.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We received a report on Saturday, December 8, about an assault inside Co-Op, in Calcutta Road, Tilbury.

“A man reported that around nine people entered the store at around 7.30pm on Thursday, December 6, and attempted to take items without paying.

“After challenging one of the group, the man was assaulted by a boy who attempted to punch him.

“Anyone with information is asked to call Grays police station on 101 quoting crime reference 42/180360/18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”