A YOUTH suffered a head injury during a robbery in broad daylight on a residential street.

Essex Police were called Long Riding, Basildon, at 12.15pm on Saturday.

Initial reports had indicated that there had been a stabbing, but the force later confirmed no one was stabbed.

Police are investigating the incident.

Councillor Davida Ademuyiwa urged residents to contact the police if they were aware of this or any other crime or anti-social behaviour in the area.

She said: “There is not a lot of crime in this part of town, I’ve lived here for 17 years and it’s relatively safe. We certainly don’t get a lot of robberies or people suffering head injuries in the middle of the day.

“The police are being proactive about anti-social behaviour, with meeting the public, discussing issues with them at things like the Coffee With Cops events with the local community policing teams. What they would really like is more CCTV cameras, not just for here but for the town centre, and that’s something I’m working with them on as we speak.

“But of course it’s also vital that people work with the police when there are incidents like this.”

She added: “It’s also a challenge with building so many new homes as part of the Local Plan. We want them to be safe and welcoming places, but of course there will always be challenges when you are creating new communities.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: “We were called shortly after 12.15pm following reports of a robbery.

“We attended and located a youth with a minor head injury.”

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call Essex Police on 101, or online at essex.police.uk either by filling out the online form or or using the ‘Live Chat’ button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

Alternatively you can also contact independent crimefighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555111.