A GANG punched and kicked a young man and tried to steal his mobile phone in an attack in Westcliff.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a 22-year-old man from Westcliff was assaulted as three men attempted to rob him.

The incident happened at 11.25pm on Friday February 13 in Salisbury Avenue at its junction with Albany Avenue, when the victim was approached by three men of Asian appearance who demanded his mobile phone.

He was punched and kicked before the suspects fled empty handed.

They are described as aged in the early 20s, of slim to medium build and around 5ft 6ins tall. They all wore hooded tops.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dc Shelley Utley at Southend CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.