TWO students were robbed as they walked around a Southend park.

The attack happened close the pond in Priory Park as the pair were approached by two men who for asked for the time.

As the 17 year-old boy took out his mobile phone it was pushed out of his hand, with one of the men quickly picking it up and running off with his accomplice.

Investigating Officer, Dc Dave Thompson, said: "We’re not sure if this was an opportunistic, random attack or whether this man was targeted for a few minutes before he came into contact with these two men.

"This crime was carried out in the middle of the afternoon so we’re hoping that someone will recall seeing these two men fleeing the scene.”

The incident happened at around 3pm on Monday, April 30.

The thieves are described as black and in their late teens with short black hair.

Both were wearing hoodies and one was riding a mountain bike.

Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at Southend police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.