A man was left bleeding from his head and with swollen eyes after being hit with a metal object in a violent robbery.

It happened in Dock Road, Grays at around 5pm on 13 April on the green next to St Mary’s Church.

The victim, who’s in his 50s, was struck leaving him with bleeding to his head and swelling around his eyes.

A two-figure sum of cash was taken.

Two 14 year-old boys were arrested on suspicion of robbery and have since been released under investigation.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We need anyone who saw anything or has any CCTV, dash cam, or doorbell footage to contact us. In particular we want to trace a man who was nearby at the time and may have seen what happened.

"If you have any information you can submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

"Please quote the crime reference number 42/92366/22 You can also call us on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."