THIS is the face of the thug who threatened three women with a broken bottle before robbing them.

Detectives have released the e-fit of the man in a bid to snare him.

The crook has now struck three times in recent weeks, robbing a terrified nurse in the most recent attack.

Investigating officer Det Con Kerry McCarthy, of Basildon CID, said: “This man has subjected three women, including one who was with a baby, to a frightening ordeal.

“They may have been uninjured, but the emotional upset will affect them for some time.

“This is a good enough e-fit for people to see similarities between the picture and the attacker if they know him. If you do know who he is, do the right thing and come forward to police.”

Speaking to the Echo, the most recent victim, a 25-year-old nurse at Basildon Hospital, told of her terror as the man approached her from behind before shoving the broken bottle just inches from her face.

The woman, who was walking along Nethermayne on her way to Basildon train station, fell and the robber grabbed her bag and its contents, worth £40. It happened at 3.30pm, on Sunday, June 6.

The robber first struck, on Saturday, May 29, at 2pm, when a mum was walking with her baby in a pushchair, in Laindon Link. He threatened the 21-year-old housewife with the broken bottle, forcing her to hand over cash.

The next day, at 4.30pm, the thug struck for the second time.

He threatened a 46-year-old woman with the bottle as she walked along Nethermayne, near Basildon Hospital. She was forced to hand over £50.

The robber is described as white, aged in his thirties, 5ft 8ins tall, slim with scruffy, short, wavy light brown hair and blue eyes.

It is thought he may have a large scar on his cheek.

Anyone with information about the robberies, or who recognises the man, can contact Det Con McCarthy on 0300 3334444 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.