A man was "stabbed in the chest" near a petrol station by a gang in a suspected targeted attack.

The victim was near the Jet Petrol Station, High Street, Canvey last night just before 10pm.

The gang demanded he handed over his phone.

He is recovering in hospital with serious injuries.

Jazz Burrows, 25, who works at the petrol station said: "Police told us the man was stabbed in the chest and it's scary to think it's happening near where I work."

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Officers were called to Canvey High Street last night, August 8, after reports of an assault.

"The victim, aged in his 20s, was approached by several cars just after 9.50pm. The men inside the car asked for his phone and, when he refused, a group of men exited the vehicles and he was attacked.

"The victim remains in hospital with serious injuries but is in a stable condition.

"Our enquiries are continuing, but we believe this may have been a targeted incident."

Video credit: Rachel Hampton