A man was beaten and robbed at gunpoint because of a case of mistaken identity, his family claim.

Ryan Cardy, 22, of the Gore, Basildon, was attacked by three thugs before they shoved an air pistol in his mouth and stole his jewellery and mobile phone.

Mr Cardy was walking along Audley Way, Basildon, on his way home from the train station when he was attacked.

Speaking to the Echo, his mother Vanessa Gilham said: “He had just walked his girlfriend to Basildon train station and was on his way home when a group of lads began shouting at him.

“They were shouting ‘Tom’ at him and he instinctively turned round. “As soon as he did, they started chasing him.

“He tried to run off but they caught up with him after he fell in the mud.”

The gang started punching and kicking him before one of the suspects produced an air pistol from his pocket.

Ms Gilham added: “They put it in Ryan’s mouth and said ‘you’re not so hard now are you’.

“Obviously there was a lot of swearing and shouting going on as well.”

Ryan described the gun as a black air pistol which was shoved in his mouth while they removed his diamond ear spacers, his lip and nose piercings and his mobile phone.

After the attack finished, Ryan was taken to hospital to be checked over. He suffered severe bruising and cuts to his hands.

Essex Police have confirmed they are investigating and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

A spokesman said: “Police received reports of a robbery.

“A man, aged in his 20s, was walking when he was chased by three suspects before falling over.

“The suspects punched and kicked the victim and then threatened him with what is believe to be an imitation firearm.

“The suspects left with the victim’s phone and jewellery, running off towards Broadmayne.

“The suspects have been described as being white men, aged in their late teens or early 20s and were wearing dark clothing. One of the suspects was wearing a grey hoody.”

The attack, which happened at about 8.30pm on January 11, has left Ryan very shaken and he has since struggled sleeping.

His mum added: “The boys were clearly looking for someone called Tom. “Ryan keeps out of trouble and would not harm anyone.

“He has been left devastated and keeps wondering why it had to happen to him.

“He has had nightmares about it and is struggling to sleep. It happened so close to our home that he’s scared to leave the house and he’s constantly reminded of it when he does.

“I want help to bring these people to justice.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Basildon CID on 101 or Crimestoppers.