BURGER King staff have been spat at and racially abused by aggressive customers within days of reopening.

The fast food branch at Winwick Quay, Warrington, reopened for drive-thru and deliveries on Monday, May 11.

But two days later, the police were called when diners became angry because they ‘were not being served quickly enough’.

One employee was reportedly spat at twice, while another eastern European member of staff was allegedly racially-abused.

A woman is also said to have ‘banged aggressively’ on the window of the drive-thru and sworn at staff.

The incidents were described as ‘despicable behaviour’ by one concerned resident, who said: “These are predominately young staff on minimum wage who are feeling extremely intimidated.

“They are short staffed anyway and are being asked to work extremely long shifts with no breaks at very short notice in order to provide the public with their fast food fix.

“These staff are putting themselves at huge risk.

“How would those responsible for the verbal abuse and spitting like it if it was a member of their own family?”

Cheshire Police has confirmed that it received reports of a man abusing staff at the eatery on Wednesday afternoon.

Its enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

A spokesman said: “At 4.30pm on May 13, officers were called to reports of a man being abusive to staff at a fast food restaurant on Delph Lane.

“Officers have made contact with the victim and enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing.”

Anyone with any information is urged to contact the force on 101, quoting incident number IML704017, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.