A THUG threatened to slit a man’s throat before hitting him over the head as he walked through a town centre car park.

The 43-year-old man, who is from Norfolk, was walking through the car park in Basildon town centre when he heard footsteps behind him.

Before he had chance to turn around, the suspect ordered him to hand over money or he would get hurt.

The victim did not see a weapon. However he was hit over the head, causing him to fall to the floor.

Nothing was taken from him during the attack, which happened at about 5pm last Friday.

Det Supt Kevin Baldwin, of the South local policing area, said: “The victim was walking through the car park when he heard some steps behind him.

“He then heard a voice say ‘give me your money or I will slit your throat’.

“He was then hit on the head and fell to the floor, causing some bruising to the left side of his head and his wrist.

“The victim could not provide a description of the man other than to say that he had an Essex accent.”

Andrew Buxton, councillor for the St Martin’s ward, which includes the town centre, said he was shocked to hear about the incident.

He warned people to remain vigilant.

He said: “People need to be on their guard.

“You think you will be alright in the town centre but obviously not.

“It’s terrible that this has happened in the daytime in Market Square, where you would think there would be people around.

“These things make you feel a bit more conscious and wary of your surroundings.

“There has been quite a bit of antisocial behaviour in the town centre in the past and I would just urge people to be careful and keep aware of what is happening around you.”

It is understood that the victim did not require hospital treatment.

So far, no arrests have been made and enquiries are continuing.

Anyone with information can call Essex Police on 101 or independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Alternatively, visit crimestoppers-uk.org to fill out an online form.