Police officers have increased their patrols in a south Essex town centre after a knifepoint robbery near a pub.

A gang of three masked men, described as black men wearing balaclavas and dark clothing, approached a man and stole his watch in The Green, Stanford-le-Hope, shortly before 1.30am on Saturday June 10.

One of the men was armed with a knife. The victim was uninjured. 

Following on from the robbery near the Inn on the Green police say they have increased their patrols around the area.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We are continuing our appeal for witnesses and information so if you have not already come forward, you can make contact with us by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services.

"Alternatively, you can call us on 101. In an emergency always call 999.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111."

Please quote crime reference 42/103224/23 when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.