A GANG beat up a man before robbing him of his phone.

The 34-year-old local man was in Flemming Avenue, Leigh when three men approached him from behind.

They assaulted him while demanding he hand over his phone.

While he was on the ground the gang assaulted him again before snatching his phone and fleeing.

Police want to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident, which took place between 12am and 12.15am on Friday, July 25.

Anyone with information can call officers at Southend police station on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.