A MAN threatened a schoolboy with a knife in a bid to steal his bike.

The young man threatened the 12-year-old near the Spread Eagle pub in Victoria Avenue, Southend, saying he had a knife and demanding the bike.

The suspect, who is described as mixed race or dark skinned, with short black hair in highlighted spikes, claimed the bike was his but he walked off when he spotted a police car.

He had an earring in his left ear and was wearing a long-sleeved dark green cotton top, blue jeans with some sort of pattern or emblem above the right knee and black Adidas trainers.

DC Andy Copley, who is investigating, said: "I am keen to speak with anyone who recognises this young man from the e-fit or the description or believes they know who is responsible."

The incident happened at about 3.45pm on Wednesday, May 21, but the police have only just released the information.

Anyone with information should call Southend police station on 101 or can give information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.