The assault took place at the service station on the northbound carriageway of the A3 near Ripley.

The attack commenced in before moving to the shop floor, where according to the police report, “brave members of the public stepped in to protect the man from further harm.”

The assailants left the scene, damaging the victim’s van before driving off in a white Kia.

A police spokesperson said: “We are looking for any member of the public that witnessed the attack to help with our investigation.

“If you have any information on the incident please call 101 quoting reference PR/45180133841.”