The Green Stanford-le-Hope knifepoint robbery probed

A gang of three masked men approached the victim in The Green, Stanford-le-Hope, shortly before 1.30am on Saturday.

The suspects have been described as three black men wearing balaclavas and dark clothing including puffa coats, with one armed with a knife.

They stole the man's watch and were last seen heading towards Hadfield Stores in Wharf Road following the attack.

The victim was not injured.

Investigation - The Green in Stanford-le-Hope (Image: Google)

Essex Police said its officers are now hunting the suspects and attempting to locate the watch, which is described as having a black face and steel wrist strap.

A police spokeswoman said: “Officers investigating a robbery in Stanford-le-Hope are asking for witnesses and information.

“We were called shortly before 1.30am on Saturday to reports of a robbery in The Green in which a man in his 20s was approached by three suspects who demanded he hand over his watch.”

She added: “If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.”

Work to do - Chief Constable of Essex Police Ben-Julian Harrington (Image: Archant)

Speaking previously to the Echo, the Chief Constable of Essex Police Ben-Julian Harrington said work will continue to tackle knife crime in the county.

“It is a real issue, we have all seen the devastation knife crime can do on families,” said Mr Harrington.

“Violence is bad enough but if it involves a knife we all know the tragedy it can cause.”

Official figures show Essex Police has destroyed more than 11,000 bladed weapons since May last year, totalling almost a tonne in weight.

Anyone with information about the Stanford-le-Hope incident should call the police on 101 and cite crime reference 42/103224/23.

Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made via independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.