TWO workers in a Somerset takeaway were set on by a gang they challenged for making sexual comments to female members of staff.

Police say a group of young men were verbally abusive to staff in several stores in High Street, Worle.

They then walked into the takeaway and made "inappropriate sexual comments" to female employees during the incidents on Monday, February 22, at around 8.45pm.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: "A fellow employee asked the group of males to leave and a confrontation ensued, which led to him and another male colleague being struck.

"Both sustained facial injuries and cuts and bruises.

"The premises was also damaged and a mobile phone stolen.

"The group of males fled in the direction of the health centre and cemetery before police arrived."

An 18-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of assault. He has been released under investigation.

Officers now hope to speak to three other people in connection with their enquiries, including the man in the CCTV image.

They are described as:

  • Male 2 – white, late-teens, and was wearing a black sweatshirt with orange stripes down the sleeves.
  • Male 3 – black, an adult, approximately 5ft 7ins and with plaited hair in chevrons across his head. He was wearing a tracksuit.
  • Male 4 – white, around 5ft, of slim build and wearing a dark coloured tracksuit.

PC Declan Coppock said: “This was a nasty incident in which a number of males verbally abused staff members and made inappropriate sexual remarks before physically attacking two others.

“We’d like to hear from any members of the public who witnessed what happened or can help us identify the person pictured above, who we wish to speak with as part of our enquiries.

“If you can assist us, please call 101 and give the call-handler crime reference number 5221038797.”

You can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via the indepenednt charity's anonymous online form.