A MAN was robbed at knifepoint as he strolled through a town centre throughout a frightening early hours attack.
A gang of 3 masked males approached the victim in The Green, Stanford-le-Hope, soon prior to 1.30am on Saturday.
The suspects have actually been referred to as 3 black males using balaclavas and dark clothes consisting of puffa coats, with one equipped with a knife.
They took the man’s watch and were last seen heading towards Hadfield Stores in Wharf Road following the attack.
The victim was not hurt.
Essex Police said its officers are now hunting the suspects and trying to find the watch, which is referred to as having a black face and steel wrist strap.
A cops spokesperson said: “Officers investigating a robbery in Stanford-le-Hope are asking for witnesses and information.
“We were called shortly before 1.30am on Saturday to reports of a robbery in The Green in which a man in his 20s was approached by three suspects who demanded he hand over his watch.”
She included: “If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.”
Speaking formerly to the Echo, the Chief Constable of Essex Police Ben-Julian Harrington said work will continue to take on knife crime in the county.
“It is a real issue, we have all seen the devastation knife crime can do on families,” said Mr Harrington.
“Violence is bad enough but if it involves a knife we all know the tragedy it can cause.”
Official figures reveal Essex Police has actually destroyed more than 11,000 bladed weapons considering that May in 2015, amounting to almost a tonne in weight.
Anyone with details about the Stanford-le-Hope occurrence ought to call the authorities on 101 and point out criminal offense referral 42/103224/23.
Alternatively, a confidential report can be made through independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.