A council worker was subjected to a “dangerous and distressing” attack by a gang of youths who stole his equipment and threw lumps of tarmac at him.

The man, who has asked not to be named, works for Essex County Council’s Highways department and was out in Crown Hill, Rayleigh on a job on Tuesday.

It was then when he was approached by the group, who tried to snatch his spray paint.

He said: “Four youths approached me saying they wanted my Samsung tablet, spirit level and orange spray paint.

“This persisted and one of the group kept trying to forcibly pull the spray paint and tablet out of my hands.

“My spirit level was leaning against me at the time was then taken by a second member of the group.

“The first member managed to pull the spray paint free from my arm.

“They then proceeded towards Station Road and were throwing stones and lumps of tarmac at me as they went while shouting abuse leaving me to dodge projectiles being thrown.”

The man gave the description of the group as four young men all aged approximately 16 years of age and between 5ft5ins and 5ft7ins.

He said they were white British and all had short brown hair. The suspect who took the paint had a grey top on and the one who took the spirit level had a red backpack on.

Essex Police have since confirmed they are investigating the incident, which took place at about 1pm.

A spokesperson for Essex Highways said: “This was a dangerous and distressing incident. We are working with Essex Police to find and prosecute those responsible.

“If anyone has information related to the event please contact Essex Police on 101.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Rayleigh police station on 101 quoting incident number 461 of 10/04.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers.