A WOMAN has been left shaken after two thugs threatened her with a hammer and robbed her of her purse and phone.

The incident happened on the footbridge near Southend East train station and police are appealing for witnesses.

The victim’s husband took to Facebook to urge anyone with information to come forward.

Steve Dalley said: “Tonight at approximately 7pm my wife was mugged by two men on the pedestrian footbridge over Southend East station.

“One of the men threatened her with a hammer. Fortunately she gave them her phone and purse. The man who threatened her was about 5’8’’ with light blonde or brown hair, had very bad teeth, and pronounced cheekbones. The other man had darker hair and wore a balaclava.”

It is understood a man who lives nearby ran to help the woman after he realised she had been mugged.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We were called just after 7.20pm last night, January 28, following reports of a robbery in Southend.

“The victim, a woman aged in her 20s, was walking across a bridge near to Southend East train station when she was approached by a man, described as white, with distinctive teeth. The man brandished a weapon, believed to be a type of hammer, and demanded the victim’s phone and purse.

“The victim, who is understandably very shaken, was not harmed during the incident, and left to seek help at the train station. Enquiries are ongoing.”

Martin Terry, councillor for Thorpe ward, said the latest attack is an example of why more police officers are needed in the borough.

The independent councillor added: “This is the third violent attack in this area. With the cuts to police, it is obvious there is no deterrent.

“I instigated improved CCTV in the Southend East station area but a camera, whilst useful, is not the same deterrent as a cop. The residents of Southend need more cops on the streets.

“That is why the Independents are pushing to re-establish Southend Borough Police. Southend is currently the most crime-ridden part of Essex, we need to reverse that trend. We will get many more officers back if we get our local force back.”

If you have information, contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.