MASK stealing yobs attacked a shopper who tried to intervene in the theft from a Co-op shop. 

At least five teenagers were seen in the Co-op on Canvey Road, Canvey, with part of the group blocking the entrance to the store while others grabbed face masks from shelves. 

One shopper, who tried to stop the youths from carrying out the theft, was punched and left with minor injuries. 

The victim described the attacker as having brown hair, and wearing all black clothing.

He initially challenged the group, before being threatened and then punched by one of the group.

The incident took place outside the store on Sunday night, at roughly 9.30pm.  

Furious council leaders have slammed those responsible.

Godfrey Isaacs, councillor in charge of community safety, said: “It’s really frustrating, and annoying.

“I just feel sorry for the guy who was punched.

“What were the parents doing? Why were they out at this time?

“What gives them the power to think they can do that to someone?

“It’s quite disgusting to be honest.

“It’s sad, our supermarkets have seen few incidents like this recently.”

While Norman Smith, council leader, added: “It’s a shame, it’s only a small minority of youngsters that ruin it for the majority of teenagers.

“There are a lot of youngsters who are doing a lot of great work in Castle Point.”

Co-op bosses confirmed that staff had reported an incident outside the store on Sunday.

They urged anyone with information to contact the police. 

Essex Police was contacted for comment.