A GANG of hooded youths tried to smash the windows of a Woodford Green convenience store after the manager refused to sell one of them alcohol because he looked too young.

Missiles including road signs were “repeatedly” thrown at Londis in Shenfield Road on Friday evening when the mob became angry.

Frightened shoppers called the police and manager Vasudev Vaghela closed the shutters as they waited for officers to arrive.

Mr Vaghela said: “A young lad came into the shop trying to buy some spirits but he didn’t have any identification.

“He told me ‘something bad’ was going to happen but I just ignored him and carried on as usual.

“But a few minutes later I heard a series of loud bangs and when I looked outside a group of seven or eight hooded boys were hurling things at the windows and kicking the front doors.”

Mr Vaghela said the attack went on for at least 10 minutes before police attended the scene. The yobs, whose faces were concealed, ran off in different directions.

He added: “I can’t believe this has happened and I am disgusted by the behaviour of young people in this area.

“Everyone was very scared and I am now using three members of staff for evening shifts to ease their concerns.”

Sgt David Somerville, of Church End Safer Neighbourhood Team, praised Mr Vaghela for refusing the sale.

He said: “This type of behaviour is unacceptable and we will be monitoring the store to ensure this does not happen again.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident and anyone with information should contact 020 8721 2842 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.