A WESTCLIFF man has been charged in connection with an armed robbery and aggravated burglary in Witham.

Regan Coulson, 18, of Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff, was arrested and questioned on February 13 before being charged with both robbery and aggravated burglary.

It comes after police were called to an incident shortly after 6.30pm on January 3 where a man in Pelly Avenue was approached from behind by a number of armed men. 

Intially, the victim was ordered him to hand over his possessions.

The victim passed his phone to the men but was then taken to his home under duress while the men searched his home.

A number of men were were subsequently linked to the incident by Braintree CID. 

Coulson appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 15 February and denied the charges, being released on court bail.

The next hearing will take place at Chelmsford Crown Court on March 11.

Detective Chief Inspector Rob Huddleston said: “This investigation has required significant work and investigative expertise from the whole of Braintree CID. We know the impact that incidents such as this can have on victims and indeed the wider community.

“This investigation is still very much ongoing, but I would like our residents to know that we will work determinedly to identify and locate everyone we believe to be involved and to ensure justice for this victim.”