POLICE are investigating after a vicious robbery at a service station on the busy A31.

A staff member at the garage was assaulted with a crowbar during the incident in the New Forest in the early hours of Friday morning.

The attack happened at 4.25am at the Esso garage at Stoney Cross services on the westbound carriageway of the A31.

Three men are reported to have their forced their way through the rear door of the shop, where two employees were working.

The two staff members were threatened, and one was attacked with a crowbar.

The man received treatment for a head injury at Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

Police say cash is believed to have been stolen from the till.

A driver making morning deliveries is thought to have disturbed the men before they ran across the dual carriageway to a layby on the eastbound side, directly opposite the services.

Police officers carried out their investigation throughout Friday and taped off the Esso petrol station while they worked.

Staff at nearby Travelodge, also on the Stoney Cross site, said they did not witness the incident.

The hotel’s receptionist, Michael Compton, who arrived at work at 7am, said he knew the people who worked in the petrol station.

He said: “I go in there occasionally, they are nice people.

“It’s upsetting to hear what happened, I hope they are ok.”

Mr Compton, 23, from Southampton, added: “I’ve never heard of anything like this happening here, it’s quite quiet. It does make you feel vulnerable.”

Police are now appealing for anyone with dashcam footage who was travelling in the area at the time to come forward.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: “We would like to trace any motorists travelling past the services around this time, particularly if they have dashcam footage of any vehicles parked on the eastbound carriageway or layby.”

A spokesperson for MRH, which operates the Esso petrol station, said: “The health, safety and wellbeing of our customers and employees is of paramount importance.

“We are working closely with the relevant authorities in response to this incident.

“We ask that anyone with any information regarding the incident contacts the police while they conduct their investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Hampshire Police on 101.