POLICE are investigating a snowball attack on a Canvey cyclist.

The man had been riding his bike along Somnes Avenue at about 1.40pm on January 20 when a group of youngsters threw snowballs at him and forced him to stop.

He was then punched and kicked by some of the youths. They also took his bike but dumped it further down the road.

The victim, a 20 year-old local man, was unharmed but badly shaken.

Anyone who can help should contact PC Paul Ledger at Rayleigh police station on 101.