SOUTHEND – famed for its Rossi ice cream – was the scene of a mini-turf war when a trader lost his cool after spotting a rival’s van on his “patch”.

Ice cream lady Rosa Neto got the cold shoulder from the rival after she accepted an invitation to sell ices at a community fun day in Shoebury.

On her way home from Saturday’s event, Mrs Neto, 56, of Wentworth Road, Southend, said her Rossi ice cream van had been tailed and by another van.

The driver then banged on her front door at home and menaced her. She had been invited to sell ice creams at a community fun day at housing association flats in Elm Road Shoebury on Saturday.

Mrs Neto said: “It was a private event. The Echo even took pictures of it.

“I wasn’t even selling ice cream in the street. I was on my way home when I noticed he was following me.

“He followed me home, banged on my door and shouted for five minutes.

“He was shouting so much my neighbour and his wife came out to see if I was all right.

“He kept saying I was in his area. I couldn’t believe it.”

Mrs Neto, who took over her father’s business 14 years ago, added: “My dad did this for more than 30 years and I’ve been doing it for 14. I’d never say things like that to another seller.

“I sell my ice cream in Rochford, but I wouldn’t say things like that to this chap if I saw him there. We have rounds, but nobody owns an area.

“I’ve reported it to the police because it’s harassment and intimidation. They are coming to take a statement.”

Colin Gray, a director of Rossi Ice Cream confirmed there were no set-out rules governing who sold ice cream where, but said traders usually tended to respect each other’s patches.

He added: “Rosa is a customer of ours.

“She took on an event in Shoebury for us on Saturday. We have hundreds of events like this during the year which we give to drivers.

“It was just a fun day. Rosa wasn’t even selling her ice cream in the street.

“It was very unfair and upsetting for her.”

A police spokesman said inquiries into the case were continuing.