A GROUP of mid to late 20s men robbed a man at knifepoint while a woman and child were able to flee.

The four men confronted a man, woman and child in an alleyway at the junction of Marine Court and Centurion Way in Purfleet yesterday evening.

The suspects asked the man, aged in his 30s, for a cigarette before pulling out a knife and making threats towards him.

The woman and child were able to run from the scene.

The suspects stole the victim's ring, chain, wallet and bank cards before running away.

Essex Police are appealing for information to help find the suspects that stole the goods from the victim.

A description was released by investigators of the group.

The group were described as being black and white men, aged in their mid to late 20s and of a medium build.

They were all wearing black clothing at the time of the incident.

Anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage from the incident is asked to call Grays CID on 101 quoting crime reference 42/116491/18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 11.