Hove Co-op worker punched in face by angry man misses holiday

Hassan Nagafe, 46, from Brighton, was attacked on May 31 by a member of the public who was sitting in the entrance to the Co-op in Western Road, Hove, after he asked the man to stop feeding the seagulls and move along.

The man fled but store manager Hassan was left with a split lip and now says he feels unsafe to go leave his home.

“I didn’t tell my wife or son what had happened when I got home,” said Hassan.

“What was I supposed to tell my son? I told him the following morning that I pulled one of the cages at work into my face.”

Hassan was due to go on holiday to Poole with his wife and son on June 1, but was so shaken by the incident he cancelled his plans.

He returned to work on June 11, but said the man who punched him was at the store when he arrived.

Hassan Nagafe, 46 (Image: Submitted)

“I told my boss that I didn’t feel I could work there,” said Hassan.

The shopworker has since been signed off work for two weeks as he continues to recover from the ordeal.

Responding to the incident, a spokeswoman for Southern Co-op said: “We’re deeply saddened by the incident involving our colleague. It is unacceptable.

“Despite our efforts to ensure colleague safety, including prevention technology and a security guard, we were unable to prevent this incident.

“We’re committed to providing our colleague with the necessary care during this difficult time including follow-up help from a trained trauma support colleague.

READ MORE: Benches removed from Brighton in bid to tackle antisocial behaviour

“It is imperative that we work together to create a safe and secure environment for everyone.”

Hassan told The Argus the 999-call handler explained officers would not come when he reported the incident, as the man had left the scene and Hassan did not need medical assistance.

The force said officers are continuing to investigate and are asking witnesses or anyone with information to report it to Sussex Police online, and quote serial 1399 of 31/05.