ITN man steps in to stop attack

Newsreader Nicholas Owen today described the moment he stepped in to save a service station worker from a vicious attacker.

Mr Owen was filling his car at a petrol station in south-east London when he heard a commotion and looked up to see a teenager burst through the door and begin hitting the cashier about the head.

The 55-year-old ITN journalist said: "This cashier was all on his own. I had the choice to do something or look the other way. After all that, I'm glad I go to the gym and do some boxing training."

The drama unfolded at about 11.30pm on Monday as Mr Owen stopped in Eltham on his way home. He said: "A woman was arguing with the cashier. Suddenly a boy jumped out of the back of the car. He kicked the door of the garage in, ran inside and started thumping the cashier with some force. I ran in and just started shouting at him 'get off '. I then stood between the pair and told the teenager to stay away. I think the boy was so shocked at how loud I was screaming he stopped."

Scotland Yard said Mr Owen had "acted in a public spirited way". A spokesman said: "Officers were called to the Texaco garage on Sidcup Road. Officers found a 17-year-old man who had apparently assaulted a member of staff. He was later arrested in connection with assault and criminal damage."