A gang of 15 young men wearing balaclavas were reportedly spotted stealing from a Benfleet corner shop last night.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing a group of 15 "yobs" dressed in black and all donning balaclavas walking down Essex Way in Benfleet yesterday, at around 7.15pm.

They say the group appeared to be stealing items from the Benfleet Local convenience shop.

According to police, they received a call from a concerned resident about the group and responded promptly to the scene.

When they arrived, they found that an incident of theft had taken place at the shop.

The police have launched an investigation into the matter and are urging anyone with information about the identity of the perpetrators to come forward.

The police have said they are working to bring those responsible to justice and to restore a sense of security in the community.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “We were called to Essex Way in Benfleet at around 7:15pm following reports of a group of young men stealing items from a local store.

"Officers attended however the suspects were not located. No arrests have been made but enquiries remain ongoing.

"We encourage anyone who witnessed anything or may have any further information to contact us.”

Call Essex Police on 101 to submit a report. Quote incident 1132 of 6 February when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.