A shopkeeper was kicked and punched by four men after one tried to steal two trays of eggs in east London.

The "vicious" and "cowardly" attack happened after one of the men walked into the shop in Newham, picked up the eggs and walked out.

The 41-year-old shopkeeper chased the man out of the store into Hermit Road, but was confronted by the shoplifter and three other men.

The men followed the victim back into the store and kicked and punched him.

One man hit him over the head with a bottle, while another grabbed a metal bar which the shopkeeper was able to wrestle from him.

As this was happening, one of the suspects walked behind the counter and took cash from the till.

PC Jim Hollick, from Newham Borough’s Robbery Task Force, said: “This was a vicious, cowardly attack on a man who was simply doing his job.

"It is lucky that the victim’s injuries were not more serious.”

All four men, described as of Asian appearance and aged 19 to 24, then fled the scene and got into a black vehicle which drove off in the direction of Bethell Avenue.

The incident happened at about 9am on October 23 last year.

Anyone with information should contact police via 101 or on Twitter @MetCC.

Information can also be given to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimesoppers-uk.org.