Police are appealing for information after a man was assaulted and seriously injured at the KFC in Cobham Services after a reported dispute over social distancing measures.

The incident happened on Sunday (August 2), sometime around 11am in the morning.

It involved a dispute reportedly over the "social" physical distancing measures put in place by the restaurant to ensure customers maintain distance from one another to minimize the spread of Covid-19 coronavirus.

"While queuing for food at KFC, the male victim got into a dispute about social distancing with a woman," a spokesperson for Surrey Police said, describing the incident.

This Is Local London: Image of the male suspect released by Surrey Police after the assault, which took place on Sunday morning, August 2.Image of the male suspect released by Surrey Police after the assault, which took place on Sunday morning, August 2.

"She was accompanied by a man, who then assaulted the victim, causing him to fall into a wall.

"The victim was left seriously injured and required hospital treatment," they added.

Surrey Police released a CCTV image of the man and descriptions of him and the woman he was with, both of whom police are now seeking in connection with the incident.

The male suspect is described as:

  • 6 feet 3 inches tall with a muscular build
  • Tanned skin, possibly mixed race
  • In his early 40s
  • Wearing a red t-shirt
  • Bald or with short black hair

The woman he was with is described as:

  • 5 feet 8 inches tall
  • Mixed race
  • Black curly hair
  • Wearing glasses
  • Wearing a baseball cap

They were also accompanied by a little girl carrying a teddy bear, police said.

"This was an unprovoked attack during an altercation over social distancing, at a busy time with lots of potential eyewitnesses," PC Jess Jaensch said.

"If you saw this incident or have any information that can assist our investigation, we want to hear from you," she added.

If you can help, call police on 101 quoting PR/45200080658, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.