Man robbed of phone at knifepoint

Essex Police is appealing for witnesses after a man was threatened with a knife and robbed of his mobile phone.

The victim, who is in his 20s and from Westcliff, was sitting on a bench opposite the entrance to Priory Park with friends on Boxing Day when he was approached by a man carrying a knife.

The Westcliff man was listening to music on his phone when the thief threatened him with the three inch knife and demanded the phone.

The suspect is believed to have been with another man and a teenage girl.

He is described as white, about 5ft 6in tall, skinny and in his late teens. He had dark spiky hair, a lip piercing and was wearing a black hooded top and dark trainers.

Pc Jamie Willetts, from CID Target Team, said: "I am appealing for anyone with information to come forward. Did you see what happened?

"I am hoping that people remember what they were doing on Boxing Day and will be able to get in contact if they were passing Victoria Avenue, Southend. Do you know the girl and the man who were with the suspect? Whatever information you have please get in touch."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Pc Willetts at Southend police station on 0300 333 4444 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.