Police are now investigating an attempted robbery in Benfleet where a man tried to steal a teenage boy's bike.

The 14-year-old was cycling down a cut through in the Carlton Drive area at around 3pm yesterday when the man approached him.

It was reported that the man demanded that the teen give him his bike.

When the boy refused, the man pulled out a small knife.

The boy managed to ride off safely and nothing was taken.

The Echo understands that this is linked to the incident where a student from King John school was threatened with a knife on his way home from school.

The man has been described as being of mixed race, 5ft 9ins tall and wearing light grey tracksuit trousers, and a black puffer-style jacket.

Detectives from Castle Point and Rochford CID are investigating and need anyone who saw anything or has any CCTV, doorbell, or dash cam footage to come forward.

If you have any information please call us on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/46272/21 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.