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Two female shoplifters were filmed attacking a sales assistant so violently at a Holland & Barrett store that they smashed the front doors in.

The shop worker had tried to stop the thieves from leaving the shop in Croydon, south London, when they attacked.

The victim, in her 40s, was pinned into a corner and repeatedly punched before witnesses burst through the shattered doors of the shop to help.

Both attackers, who are thought to be aged between 16 and 20, managed to get away after running into the crowd.


In footage of the assault, screams of ‘help her’ can be heard from the group of witnesses that gathered outside.



The video was posted to Twitter by @UncleFreeze, who wrote: ‘I witnessed this today in Croydon, these kids are just running wild.

‘I’d be gutted if my mum came home from work saying this happened to her.’

The teenagers were filmed launching the attack inside the shop after the sales assistant tried to prevent them leaving

At one point during the incident one of the shoplifters kicks so hard at the door to the shop that her foot comes through it.

Holland and Barrett said they were ‘extremely saddened’ by the attack.

A spokeswoman added: ‘We will be working with the authorities, alongside our HR department, to ensure our employee wellbeing continues to be protected, and this colleague is provided with the support they need at this time.

‘As a responsible employer, the safety of our colleagues is a primary concern, which is why we put in steps to protect our staff, such as minimising lone working, and increasing security in stores.’

The Metropolitan Police are investigating the incident and said enquiries are ongoing.

A spokeswoman said: ‘Police were called at 4:52pm on Tuesday, 23 July, to reports of an assault at a shop in North End, Croydon. Officers and London Ambulance Service attended.

Witnesses eventually stormed the shop to help

‘At the scene, a female member of staff at a commercial premises, aged in her 40s, had been assaulted and was suffering from a head injury.

‘The injured woman was taken to a south London hospital where her condition is not life threatening.

‘Police believe that the member of staff challenged two female shoplifters who responded by assaulting the victim by repeatedly punching her in the head.

‘They also smashed glass at the front of the premises before leaving in the direction of west Croydon.

‘The suspects are both black females aged 16-20yrs, one of whom is described as Albino.’

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