A MIDDLE aged couple were chased through the streets of Pitsea by a gang of about 15 teens.

The 39-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman were walking in Hartford End at about 11pm on Friday when they were approached by a group of young men and women who started punching and kicking the man.

The couple ran and were pursued through Pitsea market, past Aldi.

Both continued to be assaulted with the man being the main target for the group.

At one point the man was struck by a supermarket trolley thrown by one of the group.

He was also hit over the back of the head with what was thought to be a metal bar.

The suspects eventually gave up the assault and ran off at Church Road.

Investigating officer Pc Lee Ryan said that one of the main attackers was white, aged about 17, about 5ft 11in and of slim build.

He had, short wavy fair coloured hair, and was wearing dark jeans and no top.

He he was referred to by members of the group as "Paddy”

A young woman among the group was white aged about 16, about 5ft 2in tall and of, chubby build.

She had shoulder length wavy brown hair with blonde streaks, tied up in a ponytail.

She was wearing light blue jeans and a bright orange woollen jumper.

She was suspected of pulling the female victim's hair, forcing her to fall to the ground.

Anyone with information should contact Pc Ryan at Basildon Neighbourhood Crime Team on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.