A MAN was beaten with a metal baseball bat early this morning by two men in balaclavas after he refused to hand over his car keys in a supermarket car park.

The 48-year-old victim sustained cuts to his head and hands during the “vicious assault” in the Tesco's car park, in Tilling Road, Brent Cross, at about 12.35am.

He had been approached by two men who asked for his car keys.

A statement from Barnet police said the victim refused and noticed on of the suspects attempting to get into his car from the passenger side.

He fought off the two men despite one of them “repeatedly” beating him over the head with a metal baseball bat, officers said.

He sustained a one inch cut to his forehead and a swollen upper lip, along with superficial cuts to his hands.

The suspects ran off and the victim was able to report the attack to police.

The dog unit along with the police helicopter joined officers searching for the suspects. They were described as wearing dark clothing, balaclavas and gloves.

A metal bar, possibly used as the weapon, was found by the dog team.

A 26-year-old man was arrested and taken to a north London police station for questioning.

Anyone with information about the attack should call Barnet police on 0300 123 1212 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.