A thug punched a binman in his face and spat at him as he was carrying out his rounds as a frontline key worker.
The attack happened after the council employee had asked a motorist if he could move his car because it was blocking the road.
Outraged, the lout approached the binman and seriously assaulted him.
It required the refuse worker, one of a number of professions still on shift to keep residents' waste collected and disposed of during the lockdown, to go to hospital.
He received treatment to a head wound at Warrington Hospital.
The attack happened on Grammar School Road in the Latchford area of the town.
The thug escaped shortly after the incident.
Police are hunting for him and so far no arrests have been made.
It happened seven days ago, but news has only just emerged now.
Council bosses described the news as "alarming."
Council leader Russ Bowden, of Warrington Borough Council, said: "Our waste collection crews are going above and beyond to carry out their duties and I am alarmed at reports of this attack, with one crew member requiring hospital treatment as a result.
"We will not tolerate any abuse towards our staff, be it physical or verbal, and we are working closely with the police on this matter.
"During these difficult times, we recognise many more residents remain at home while we carry out our work.
"However, I would ask residents to consider where and how they park their vehicles to ensure that not only refuse wagons but also emergency service vehicles can pass safely and quickly."
"Our waste team would like to thank the residents for the fantastic support and good wishes they have received during this period."
A Cheshire Police spokeswoman said: "At 10.50am, on Thursday 9 April, police received a report of an assault on Grammar School Road in Latchford.
"Officers arrived to the scene to find a 54-year-old man had been spat at and punched to the face by another unknown man.
"The victim received treatment for minor injuries at Warrington District General Hospital.
"Enquiries into the assault are ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 678232.
