A MAN who was flown to hospital after being seriously hurt at a petrol station has been arrested on suspicion of stealing from the kiosk.

The Asda garage, in Southernhay, Basildon, was locked down after the incident on Wednesday. The Essex Air Ambulance landed in a playing field in nearby Tinkler Side.

It is believed the man suffered abdominal injuries when he was trapped under security shutters, which were activated during a suspected robbery.

The 33-year-old was flown to the Royal London Hospital for treatment, but has since been discharged.

He was arrested on suspicion of theft, and was yesterday being questioned by officers at Basildon police station.

Taxi driver Ralph Morgan said: “As I drove past, I could see loads of police.

“The security shutters are there for a reason and I think businesses should definitely use them when they think they’re in danger. The poor members of staff must have been terrified.

“It seems a complete waste of taxpayers’ money to have got the air ambulance out.”

An eyewitness, who did not want to be named, said: “It’s awful for the staff who had to watch all this going on.

“I go in the petrol station regularly and they’re all lovely.

“They pressed the alarm, but the man had already passed the line and the shutter went down and crushed him.

“I could just see him laying on the floor unconscious.”

Emergency services went to the scene, next to the Eastgate Centre, shortly after 5pm.

The petrol station was closed by police throughout Wednesday night, but reopened yesterday morning.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Police were called to reports that a robbery was in progress at the Asda petrol station in Basildon and that a man had been injured.

“Officers attended and arrested a 33-year-old man from Basildon on suspicion of theft. The man was taken to hospital via air ambulance with abdominal injuries.

“He has since been released from hospital and has been taken to Basildon police station for questioning."

A spokesman for Asda added: “We’re assisting the police with their inquiries.”