Worker claims he was attacked in takeaway violence
Police say trouble broke out after dispute over bill
A TAKEAWAY worker has recalled the moment he was allegedly attacked by two men armed with a knife and a screwdriver in Radford.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident at Victoria Shawarma in Radford Road, which was reported at about 4pm on Monday.
Sam Rifai, 33, was working that day when it is claimed a fight broke out when two men tried to steal from his till after they came in as customers.
Mr Rifai, of Clifton, said: “When I opened the till to give them change one of them just put his hand inside to take the money. When I tried to take the money back from him he punched my hand.
“I told him ‘give my money back’ and he started swearing at me and my family, so I punched him as I needed the money and he tried to get out. Both of them then started punching me.”
Mr Rifai, who alleges he was also grabbed by the neck, said he was left with an injury under his eye, with a waitress also getting hurt. He claimed the takeaway was also attacked after the two men left.
Mr Rifai claimed the men managed to steal £20-£30 before fleeing.
Nottinghamshire Police have now released images of two men they want to speak to in relation to the incident.
The force says a brawl broke out due to a dispute over a bill. When the staff member asked for the money back, he was headbutted to the floor, a spokesperson added.
Police were told the two customers left the restaurant but returned minutes later armed with a knife and a screwdriver.
One of the men smashed a large window at the front of the restaurant but then left. It is believed they fled towards Gregory Boulevard, Nottinghamshire Police said.
Detective Sergeant Chris Berryman said: “This was a significant disturbance and officers were very quickly on the scene.
“We are working to establish the exact sequence of events and would like to speak with anyone who saw this incident unfold.
“Violent behaviour will not be tolerated in our communities. We are determined to catch those responsible and I would urge anyone with information that may assist enquiries, or who recognises the men in the images, to call 101 quoting incident 441 of August 23.”