A WORKER at a petrol station taken to hospital with a suspected broken nose and cheekbone after being attacked by a man with a traffic cone.

Northumbria Police received a report that a member of staff at the Shell garage on the Great North Road, in Gosforth, Newcastle, had been assaulted with a traffic cone at around 12.05pm on Monday afternoon.

The male offender had filled up a motorcycle with fuel but was challenged by staff when it appeared that he would not pay for the fuel.

He became aggressive and then assaulted the staff member with a traffic cone before fleeing the scene on foot in the direction of The Three Mile Inn.

It is also believed the motorcycle the offender left at the garage was stolen.

Inquiries into the incident are ongoing and police are now appealing for help from the public to identify the offender.

He is described as wearing all black with a white motorcycle helmet that had the visor down.

Officers also want to speak to any witnesses to the incident as there were a number of people on the garage forecourt who police have still not spoken to.

They are also keen to speak to any motorists who may have dash-cam footage showing the motorcycle in question.

Anyone who knows the man, or witnessed the incident on Monday, is encouraged to contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting log 423 13/08/18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

An emails can also be sent to 3041@northumbria.pnn.police.uk or report online at www.northumbria.police.uk/contact.