A MASKED robber brandishing a baseball bat tried to steal a police car after raiding a petrol station.

Owen Smith was caught on CCTV wearing a balaclava as he threatened staff at Tesco Express in Redkiln Way in Horsham with another masked man.

After trashing the store for cash, cigarettes, and alcohol, he then ran at a police car, yanked an officer out of the driver’s seat, and tried to drive off.

The unemployed 29-year-old, of no fixed address, was jailed for 14 years at Hove Crown Court after admitting assaulting an officer, possessing an offensive weapon, robbery, and taking a police vehicle without consent.

It all started at 12.30am on July 6, when a Tesco worker managed to escape and call the police after being chased by Smith inside the store.

CCTV footage shows how a shocked Tesco worker looked on as a colleague ran away, only to be followed by a second man wheeling in two large bins into the shop.

The worker was then forced to help the duo unload the tills, while the men tore open the shelves for cigarettes and alcohol.

Read more: 'I reported my car stolen by mistake, and police towed it away'

Then outside, a routine patrol had stopped at the petrol station and found the robbery in progress as backup arrived.

PC Ellie Young was ripped from the driving seat during a struggle with Smith, and was then thrown to the floor.

She received injuries to her arms, neck, shoulder, and legs, but continued to battle on along with her colleague PC Vicky Canales.

Meanwhile other officers ran to the scene, along with a member of the public, as Smith took the steering wheel and tried to drive off from the forecourt.

One officer was seen diving over the open driver’s side door with a baton in an effort to stop Smith.

After a struggle, Smith was tasered and arrested. In August he admitted the charges against him, and was sentenced at Hove Crown Court this week.

Read more: 'Last chance' for man who harassed police chief

Detective Chief Inspector Justina Beeken said: “Watching the CCTV of Owen Smith attacking our officers is absolutely harrowing, not least due to the ferocity of the attack, and I commend the officers' bravery and commitment that evening in arresting him.

“No officer should be attacked while doing their job and I am thankful that no officers were more seriously hurt.

“I also commend those members of the public and officers who ran to their colleagues' assistance, trying to prevent Smith from getting away from the scene, without a moment’s thought for their own safety.

“Smith's behaviour has also had an impact on those working in the Tesco Express that evening who were also threatened while going about their job.”