A PLUCKY teenager faced up to a gang of robbers who tried to steal his belongings by grabbing back his mobile phone.

The 14-year-old boy was walking home in High Road, Laindon, when he was approached by a gang of about five suspects.

They threatened him and grabbed his mobile phone but he decided to not let them get the better of him.

He snatched his phone back and scarpered from the scene, running towards Laindon Community Centre out of harms way.

The gang did not chase after him and it is understood that the victim was unhurt.

Essex Police are investigating the incident as an attempted robbery, which happened in High Road, Laindon at about 4.30pm last Wednesday.

Police have said that the boys were all aged between 12 and 14 years old and were all wearing tracksuits in the hope that somebody could identify them.

Elizabeth Barnett, 79, who lives in nearby Worthing Road, said: “What are teenagers doing robbing teenagers nowadays?

“It’s frightening that children can’t walk the streets anymore.

“Parents need to be teaching their children right from wrong.

“I’m glad this poor lad managed to get his phone back and he is safe and sound.

“It does make me worry about going outside on my own, I rarely do anymore.”

In May, two schoolgirls were mugged by two 16-year-old girls in South Wash Road, Basildon.

One of the robbers tried to snatch one of the girl’s mobile phones before demanding that they hand over cash.

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

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Det Con Robert Lewis at Basildon CID on Essex Police 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.