Youths hurled a can of energy drink at a shop assistant after she challenged them for ID.

The incident took place at the Co-operative Food store in Turpin Avenue, Collier Row on Wednesday, January 2.

At around 6.30pm two white males, aged about 17-years-old, tried to buy cigarettes.

The 22-year-old shop worker asked for their identification and when they couldn’t give any she refused to sell them the goods.

She narrowly avoided being hit by the flying can of drink, which was thrown amid a volley of abuse from the youths.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.