AGGRESSIVE thugs smashed up a shop during a fight in front of shocked customers and staff.

The gang of seven yobs caused havoc at Costcutter, in Furtherwick Road, on Canvey, on Wednesday evening.

Echo:

Scene - the popular shop

Echo:

Damage - a shop window which was smashed

One shop worker was left in tears and customers felt forced to step in.

The shop owner, who gave his name as Vjsi B, said the teenage boys made a big mess of his shop.

The 50-year-old said: “The gang of teenage boys were coming in and out of the shop.

“They were being a real nuisance.

“We have a good customer base and they helped a lot - which is a positive.

“The fight became very strong and aggressive.

“They broke the window and threw stock about the store, breaking glass bottles of wine.

“My wife was crying when the police arrived.”

He added: “We are more upset than angry. There’s no point getting angry about it.

“We just need to find a solution after what has happened here.

“We’ve been working here for eight years and never known of anything like this.

“Police came very quickly which is a good thing.”

Shortly afterwards a dispersal order was put in place after reports of a gang causing a disturbance on Canvey.

It was authorised from 8.40pm.

The order covered Furtherwick Road junction with Blackthorn Road, Furtherwick Road junction with High Street B1014, High Street junction with Foksville Road, Long Road junction with Thelma Avenue.

Officers remained in the area on patrol

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We received a call after three people reported they were assaulted. We received information a woman received a hand injury and two men received injuries to their hand and face.

“We received a further call at around 8.15pm of a disturbance involving a large group of teenagers in Knightswick Road. During the disturbance a man reported he was assaulted.”