Three teenagers have been arrested within an hour of a reported "knifepoint" robbery in a south Essex high street.

Police were called to Billericay High Street after reports of three suspects wearing face coverings approaching a member of the public and demanding their phone on Sunday, January 7, at 5pm.

When the victim refused, one suspect reportedly revealed a knife, and the victim gave them their phone.

Within 30 minutes of the report being made, officers traced the movements of the suspects to Billericay train station and on to Rayleigh train station.

Two suspects were arrested in Rayleigh at about 5.45pm, and a third was arrested seven minutes later as they tried to flee police on foot.

They have all been bailed until March 10.

Inspector Steve Parry said: “By quickly taking an account from the victim in this incident, our officers were able to quickly locate and arrest all three suspects.

“This is a perfect example of our efforts to tackle robbery in our district. Our officers continue to investigate this incident and their enquiries are ongoing.”

Anyone with any information about this incident that may assist our officers, please get in touch quoting incident number 42/3606/24.

Submit a report on the Essex Police website or by using the online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

Visit essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about the force's website reporting services.

Alternatively, call 101. To make an anonymous report contact independent charity Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.