Bexley Council have confirmed that police are investigating an incident where a member of staff was assaulted while at work.

In a statement, council leader Teresa O’Neill said a member of the authority’s highways team was left “badly shaken” after being attacked on Wednesday morning.

“The officer involved was checking that some highway works had been completed safely and has no idea why he was attacked,” she said.

The borough confirmed police had been contacted and were investigating the incident.

“Some of our parking attendants have also reported that they are being abused while carrying out their duties,” Cllr O’Neill added.

“I need to make clear that we will not tolerate this type of behaviour. Where it happens, we will not hesitate to involve the police.”

Cllr O’Neill said the current lockdown was stressful on residents and staff, but emphasised many more positive qualities had been displayed by the community since the measures were adopted.

“The coronavirus pandemic has had a dramatic effect on the lives of our staff, as well as the wider public. I know many people are feeling all sorts of unfamiliar emotions, but this is no excuse for violence or abuse directed at people who are working to keep the borough safe,” she said.

“Recent weeks have seen countless examples of people helping others and showing appreciation for those who continue working.

“Let’s all please be as kind to each other as we can at this difficult time.”