KNIFE-WIELDING car jackers targeted teenagers parked up in an Audi.

Four boys and a girl, were sitting in a parked black car in Dinant Avenue, Canvey, at about 9.40pm on Wednesday when they were approached by three men in a black Ford Fiesta.

The teenagers in the Audi were threatened with a knife and told to get out of the vehicle, which they did.

The men also took two bracelets, a necklace, a coat and phone charger, then drove away in the car.

The terrifying incident has caused fury within the island community with residents saying they must stand strong against this sort of thing.

Janet Shankland, 40, of Dinant Avenue, Canvey, said: “This sounds like an awful ordeal for the teenagers involved.

“I really hope they are doing ok now, they must be so shaken up by this.

“We can’t have these thugs roaming our streets, police must identify and catch them very soon.

“I feel so sorry for these youngsters and can’t imagine what they went through, it’s horrendous.”

Neighbour Tony Collins, 35, added: “If these were my children I’d be so angry that it’s happened to them. It’s completely unacceptable that people think that can go around doing this.

“I can see a danger that people will be afraid to go out but as a community we mustn’t let a minority put us off from going about our daily business.”

No-one was physically harmed during the incident and Essex Police are keen to trace the three men and have issued a description of each one.

The first man was aged in his 20s, black and wearing a black Nike tracksuit.

The second man has been described to be of a similar age, white with a black beard. The third man was black and of similar age.

The men drove off in the two cars towards Long Road.

Anyone who has CCTV of the area, witnessed the incident or saw or heard anything suspicious, is asked to call the Basildon CID on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/145894/19.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.