A GANG threatened to stab a man after punching him to the ground and stealing his passport near a park.

The incident happened at roughly 6.40pm on Tuesday, as the man walked along Upper Mayne, on the Gloucester Park side.

The victim had left Pipps Hill retail park when he was attacked by three men, who punched him in the face and threatened to stab him - although no knife was seen.

The robbers stole his passport, as well as two bags of shopping, while emptying his bag.

Police confirmed they are investigating, but no arrests have been made.

His mother, issuing an appeal on social media, said: “My son was punched to the ground from behind by three men and punched in the face and threatened and told him to empty his pockets and said ‘do it or I will stab you’ and one reached in to his back pocket.

“They ripped his bag and empty it and took his passport and two bags of shopping.

“One was wearing a dark hooded jacket with black scarf over his face and 5ft 9 inches tall another was around 5ft 6 inches and wearing a grey hoodie with a black scarf and another was 5ft 9 inches

“They disappeared into Gloucester park towards Basildon Sporting Village.

“Police were called and are investigating.”

During last summer concerns were raised that Basildon’s parks where becoming “no go zones” and warnings were issued about walking alone.

However police moved to reduce concerns about the number of attacks claiming incidents had remained stead, although each is taken seriously.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We were called shortly before 7pm on Tuesday, February 12, about a robbery in Miles Gray Road, Basildon.

“We received reports that a man aged in his 20 was approached by three men, threatened and punched to the head before having his bag and personal documents taken.

“The men then fled the scene.”

“Anyone with information is asked to call Basildon police station on 101 quoting crime reference 42/23616/19 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”