A MAN was stabbed and robbed as he tried to escape a gang of thieves.

The victim, a man in his 30s, had parked his Mitsubishi Lancer car in Fairview Road, Pitsea as he met a friend.

As the pair began walking along an alley, towards nearby shops, they were confronted by the gang of three men.

Two of the thugs pulled out knives and demanded the men hand over cash, phones and the keys to the Lancer.

Both victims tried to escape, running back towards the car, but the gang caught up with the car owner, stabbing him in the back.

They stole £100 from him before smashing up his car and fleeing.

The victim escaped with a minor injury.

All three men are described as black and in their early 20s.

The attack happened at 1pm on Thursday January 17.

Witnesses can contact Basildon CID on 101.