A MAN was punched to the floor by a group of thugs in a daylight robbery.

The 33 year-old was walking near the underpass at the Roundacre roundabout, in Basildon, when he was appraoched from behind by a group of men.

They punched him to the floor, before removing his earrings from his ears and stealing cash and a mobile phone from his trouser pockets.

The victim was not able to get a look at the suspects.

Police are urging anyone who was in the area at around 3.30pm on Wednesday, July 1, to get in touch by calling 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.