DINERS stepped in to restrain a thug after he stormed into a restaurant to attack a man.

The terrifying incident took place yesterday at the Aspera Restaurant in London Road, Benfleet.

Essex Police received reports at around 1.55pm that a man entered the restaurant armed with a dumbbell and knife.

A police spokesman said: “We believe that the man started shouting before he was restrained by customers.

“A man suffered a head injury during the incident and has been taken to hospital.”

A man has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent in connection to the incident.

Residents reported seeing a a large number of police cars arrive at the Tarpots junction to respond to the incident.

Thankfully, no one else was injured during the incident.

Bill Dick, independent councillor for St Peter’s ward with includes the restaurant, said: “This sounds like a terrifying incident and this area is not known for this sort of thing.

“This is a peaceful area and you do not expect this to happen here especially with people taking extra precautions due to the coronavirus outbreak.

“It would have been frightening for people in the restaurants - there’s not much they can do other than sit there.

“All the diners could have been fearful the man was going to attack them and wouldn’t have known what was happening.

“I think it’ll send shock and concern through the community and I feel sorry for the restaurant and hope people don’t avoid it after this.”

Benfleet resident Katie Huggins wrote on Facebook: “Hope everyone is OK including all the staff and Taz. Shocking behaviour.

“Well done to all who helped.”

Julie Phillipa wrote: “Thank goodness this didn’t get out of hand.

“Thank you to those who helped others.”

Carol Montgomery commented: “What is wrong with some people nowadays?

“Violence seems to be the first resort for the most trivial of reasons.”

Essex Police are treating this a targeted attack and say there is no wider risk to the public.

However, the force is appealing for information and dash-cam footage to assist with the investigation into the incident.

Anyone with information and any dash cam and mobile footage is asked to call Basildon CID on 101 quoting incident 626 of 10/09.

You can also report crime online at www.essex.police.uk.

People can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

You can also submit an anonymous report online at crimestoppers-uk.org.