AMAN whowas punched in the face and robbed believes he would not have been targeted if the street lights had been on.

The man, who asked not to be named, is one of five people who were attacked by a gang of robbers in the early hours of Sunday.

He said the gang appeared “out of nowhere”, that he was unable to tell police which way they ran off or how many of them there were.

The victim, who is in his twenties, was attacked as he walked along Luncies Road, Pitsea, at 2am.

He said: “It was completely pitch black. They literally appeared out of nowhere.

“I honestly do not think this would have happened if the streetlights had been on.”

The victim was walking home from a friend’s house with his girlfriend when the pair were surrounded by a gang of about four men.

They punched him in the face, stole the pair’s iPhones, worth about £1,000, and took the man’s watch worth about £110. The victim added: “My mouth is still sore and my girlfriend is still very shaken up.”

An Essex County Council spokesman said: “The council has been working closely with the emergency services and responds to representations from them regarding any areas which they believe should be exempt from the part-night lighting scheme.”

Police believe the thugs are also responsible for two other robberies in Basildon on the same night.

At 12.30am a man and woman were attacked in Nethermayne. The woman punched one of the robbers before he got away with their mobile phones. The man needed hospital treatment.

At 2.30am, a man in his twenties was attacked in Luncies Road. He was punched in the face and tripped up as he tried to get away. His £200 iPhone was stolen.

Nick Alston, Essex Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I have great sympathy for victims in these incidents and understand they will be distressed and shocked. The majority of robberies take place in the daytime or early evening, and Essex Police have seen a significant reduction in robbery offences.

“If the police conclude there is a significantly increased risk to the public, I am sure they will advise the county council.”

Anyone with information should contact Essex Police on 101.