A MAN was assaulted and threatened with a knife in Southend.

The victim, in his twenties, was walking through an alleyway from Short Street into Kenway and Vale Road at around 5.30pm on Sunday afternoon.

He was approached from behind by two men.

One man, described as black, around 5ft 9ins tall and wearing a hooded top, with the hood up, and a beanie hat, punched the victim and threatened him with a knife.

The man, thought to be around 20 years old, was of skinny build and accompanied by another man.

The other man, white, aged in his late twenties or early thirties, was also of skinny build and was wearing a white and grey hooded top and possibly jeans.

The second man kicked the victim in the stomach.

The victim managed to escape and ran out of the alleyway.

As he fled he saw a woman who looked shocked to see him as he was covered in blood from his injuries.

Police would like to speak to her as she may have witnessed the assault and seen the suspects.

She is described as black, around 5ft tall with her hair pulled back and was wearing a green coat.

Anybody that can help with any information is asked to contact Rayleigh CID on Essex Police 101 or give information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.