A MAN in his sixties was knocked unconscious in an attempted robbery.

The 67-year-old man was brutally attacked again when he regained consciousness.

The incident happened on Thursday February 12 at around 10.30pm on Clifftown Parade, near to the Queen Victoria statue. Police have today launched an appeal.

The victim was walking when he was approached by four men. The victim was hit in the face, which caused him to fall to the floor and was briefly knocked unconscious.

When he regained consciousness he stood up and was guided by one of the suspects to the pavement area. He was then kicked to the ground and struck to his face and head. The suspects threatened him and searched his pockets, before being disturbed and leaving the area.

Investigating officer Det Con Shelley Utley said: "This was a nasty robbery that left the victim with facial injuries, including severe bruising to the side of his face. I would like to speak to anyone who saw the incident, or who has any information that could help the investigation."

The four suspects are white men, described as being of normal build, who spoke with foreign accents. Two of them were aged in their twenties and around 5ft 9'/10' tall. One of the men was wearing a dark coloured hoodie with a pattern on.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC Utley at Southend CID on 101. People can also give information to the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via an Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org