A gas station attendant in Germany was punched and kicked by a customer after an argument over the latter's failure to wear a mask, AP quoted police as saying on Thursday.

Police said the argument started when the 21-year-old customer walked into the gas station shop without a mask to pay for his fuel. The 67-year-old attendant pointed out that wearing a mask was obligatory and an argument ensued.

The customer then returned wearing a mask, punched the attendant and kicked him as he lay on the floor. He then fled, according to a police statement.

The customer returned to the scene shortly afterward and handed himself in to police.