Knifepoint robbery in South Benfleet

Detectives are progressing an investigation into a knifepoint robbery in South Benfleet. 

The victim, a man in his 20s, reported that he was approached on Church Road at around 9.05pm on Saturday 28 December.

A group of four or five men, believed to be in their late teens, forced him into Kennington Avenue and robbed him at knifepoint, making off with a two-figure sum of cash.

The victim suffered minor injuries and the group left on foot in the direction of the Zach Willsher pub.

He managed to describe several of the men involved to us and we carried out an extensive search of the area, but did not locate them. 

One of the men involved has been described as white, around 18 years old, and of slim build. He was around 5ft 9ins tall and wore a black coat with a grey fur hood, black jeans and black shoes.

Another has been described as white, around the same age, and of slim build. He wore a khaki-coloured coat, jogging bottoms and white shoes.  

Essex Police is asking for anyone who may have seen either of the altercations, whether in Church Road or Kennington Avenue, or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage available to view, to call Southend CID on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/203950/19.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and remain anonymous.