A PREGNANT woman was hit in the stomach during a booze raid by a gang of masked yobs.

An elderly shopkeeper and the pregnant woman were attacked as the gang of schoolchildren tried to steal from Bargain Booze, Long Road, Canvey.

They attacked an elderly shopworker and a pregnant woman during the incident.

The furious partner of the pregnant woman took to Facebook to criticise the yobs.

He posted: “This goes out to the parents of the youngsters that just tried to rob barging booze.

“My pregnant wife was there at the time and they hit her in her stomach.

“They also attacked the old man who works there.

“Sort out your kids before someone does it for you.

“There were five or six kids all with masks covering their faces, running down towards the police station.

“Everyone needs to be aware of these young people.”

The mum-to-be said the shopworker was terrified.

She said: “I got caught in the bundle and was hurt in my stomach.

“I’m nearly 19-weeks pregnant, the boys must have been aged between 12 and 16-years-old.

“The old man was absolute terrified.

“Police have been contacted and I hope the boys are proud of themselves.”

Residents took to Facebook to send well wishes to the woman who was attacked in the incident and to condemn out of control youths who are terrorising the island.

Essex Police confirmed an investigation is underway and urged witnesses to come forward.

A spokesman for Essex Police: “We were called shortly after 9.40pm on Thursday April 11 with reports a group of teenagers attempted to steal alcohol from Bargain Booze in Long Road, Canvey.

“They also assaulted a man and a woman in the shop.

“Enquiries are ongoing.”

Call 101 with reference 1205 of April 11.”

The shop confirmed there had been an incident but refused to comment any further on the circumstances of the attack.