A St Albans leisure centre employee locked herself in the disabled toilets after a customer refused to leave.

The unnamed employee was the only person in Westminster Lodge’s spa on Thursday evening when she was got into an altercation with a man.

A witness said: “They shouted at her, and when she called the manager he couldn’t come as he was cashing up.

“The girl ran to the disabled toilets and pushed the alarm button, but no-one came for five minutes.

“She was in tears on the floor.”

The witness claims the customer was trying to use someone else’s name to get into the spa.

Police were called, but only arrived once the customer had left.

General manager Lesley Garner, who works for Everyone Active who run the centre, said: “We can confirm there was an incident at Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre during which the police were called by Everyone Active colleagues to deal with anti-social behaviour from a small group of customers.

“The police investigation is ongoing.”

Police are investigating the offence, which occurred between 7.30pm and 7.45pm.

The man who abused the member of staff is described as a tall white man, with an Irish accent.

At the time of the offence he was wearing no top and had grey shorts on with a black stripe down the side, and carrying a sports bag.

Anyone with any information should contact police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference F1/17/5667.