A MILKMAN was hit over the head by a man armed with a gun.

The victim was in his milk van in Willow Close, Leigh, when he was approached by a man wearing a crash helmet.

The attacker, who had a silver handgun, demanded the milkman hand over any money he was carrying.

When the victim refused, he hit him on the head before running off empty-handed.

The delivery man was notinjured in the attack on Friday at 3.30am, but police say he is shaken.

Detectives say the attacker is described as 5ft 8ins, wearing a white jumper and a crash helmet with graffiti style writing on it.

A man who lives in Willow Close, who asked not to be named, said: “It is a really shocking incident and I can’t really believe it has happened here.

“It is normally very quiet as we are quite tucked away but I hope whoever did this is brought to justice.”

Anyone with any information about the incident can call Southend CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.