A teenage girl was pulled to the ground and a teenage boy pushed into oncoming traffic in an attempted robbery.

The two 17-year-old victims were walking along Rayleigh Road, Leigh with three other friends around 9pm on July 25, when they we’re approached by another group of teenagers.

The boy was pushed into oncoming traffic and the girl was grabbed from behind and pulled to the ground as the suspects demanded they hand over their mobile phones.

Fortunately, both victims got away without injury and nothing was stolen.

A driver of a black BMW stopped to help the victims in Nobles, Green Road, Leigh.

Following the assault, police arrested a 17-year-old boy from Brentwood and a 16-year-old girl from Bedford on suspicion of robbery.

An 18-year-old man from Edgware was also arrested on suspicion of robbery, possession of class A drugs and possession of an offensive weapon.

All three have now been released under investigation and enquiries are still going.

The police are now appealing for information about the incident.

They are particularly keen to trace the driver that was forced the swerve out of the way and the driver of the black BMW who stopped to help the victims.  

Anyone with information is asked to contact Southend CID on 101.

Alternatively, contact independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.