Police are investigating after a woman launched an unprovoked attack against tea room staff and customers.

In shocking CCTV footage, the woman in a hoodie can be seen threatening a staff member with a chair after exposing herself to customers and vandalising the shop’s furniture.

The incident began after the woman demanded the staff give her a free meal in the MadHatters Tea Room, in Queens Road, Southend.

Tea room owner, Liam Offord, who is from Rochford but now lives in London, said: “It was a horrible experience for the team and our customers.

“It’s particularly upsetting because we do a lot of charity work to help local people in need.

“We will continue to offer this support regardless of the incident.”

Staff described the suspect as being in a “highly agitated state” when she approached them on Sunday at about 3.20pm.

After being told a free meal wasn’t possible, the woman left the cafe and proceeded to lose her temper outside.

The video, which has been viewed more than 6,400 times on Facebook, then shows the woman flashing her bare chest at customers and staff members through the shop’s front window.

She bangs on the window with her fist and proceeds to pick up the outdoor tables and tip them over on the pavement.

A member of staff comes out of the shop to confront the woman but is threatened with one of the shop’s chairs before the woman leaves the scene –taking the chair with her.

Essex Police were unable to respond to a request for comment before the Echo went to press but anyone with information is asked to contact Southend Police Station on 101.

Alternatively, you can get in touch anonymously via independent crimefighting charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online/.

The video, which was first shared by community news outlet Southend TV, can be viewed in full on our website at www.echo-news.co.uk