A 16-year-old boy has been assaulted and robbed of his bike by a group of male teenagers carrying a knife.

The victim was approached by a group of four to five teenagers, at Burr Hill Chase, near to the junction of Prittlewell Chase around 3.10pm on Friday.

One member of the group shouted that the bike was his, before another boy was said to have pulled out what was described as a large knife.

At this point, the victim got off his bike and handed it over. He was then punched, causing an injury to his mouth.

The group then left the scene, and we believe the bike was ridden away in the direction of Victoria Avenue.

The suspects are all believed to be boys between 16 and 18 years old.

The victim described the members of the group as black, except for one boy, who was white.

Officers are appealing for information to help find those responsible.

The bike is a black and grey Carrera Vengeance men’s mountain bike with orange break cables, and a black and white BMX seat.

Dc Layla Barker from Southend CID, said: “This was very frightening incident, made even worse by the fact that one of the boys was carrying a weapon.

“At this stage it is being treated as an isolated incident, and we are making thorough enquiries to help us establish the identities of those involved.

“This incident was only a couple of days ago, and we would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who has perhaps seen this bike around the area.”

If you have information which could help the investigation call Southend CID on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111