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.
Investigation – The Green in Stanford-le-Hope (Image: Google)
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.”
Work to do – Chief Constable of Essex Police Ben-Julian Harrington (Image: Archant)
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.
