Have-a-go hero attacked at petrol station (From York Press)

Have-a-go hero attacked at Selby petrol station

9:31am Tuesday 11th September 2012 in News By Dan Bean, dan.bean@thepress.co.uk

A MAN was knocked unconscious at a petrol station after he tried to prevent two men from stealing fuel.

The 22-year-old victim also suffered a broken cheekbone, a broken tooth, and injuries to his shoulder, nose, hands and jaw in the incident, which happened at the Abbeyside Jet garage at about 9.40pm last Thursday in Selby .

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said the victim noticed a man fill a can and run off in the direction of the boatyard. The victim followed and confronted the man, but was punched to the ground by a second man.

As he got to his feet, the victim saw the man with the petrol can come towards him before he lost consciousness, and a police spokesman said it was unclear whether the victim had been attacked by both men.

Witnesses at the scene phone the police and ambulance service, but police want to contact two men who were at the petrol station at the same time as the victim.

Detective Constable Amanda Bostwick, of Selby CID, said: “The victim showed great bravery which unfortunately resulted in him sustaining some nasty injuries.

“I am particularly interested in speaking to two men who came into the petrol station shop just after the victim. They may have information vital to the investigation and I urge them to get in touch.”

The victim was taken to York District Hospital for treatment and discharged on Friday.

The first man was described as white, in his early twenties, about 5ft 8 inches tall, and wearing dark clothing. The second man was older, about 6ft 1 inch tall, with a large build and wide shoulders. Both are believed to have left the scene in a small white van.

Anyone with information should phone North Yorkshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.