A woman has spoken of her horror after she was mugged by four men who pinned her against a garage wall in Pitsea - and no one came to her assistance.

The woman, 32, who asked not to be named, was walking back home with her nine-month-old baby in a buggy after dropping her kids off at school at about 9.30am on Wednesday.

She was heading into an alleyway in Rectory Road, Pitsea, when she was suddenly grabbed by the arm by a man who pinned her against a wall.

She said: “The man had an object with him, he pushed it against my ribs. I don’t remember what it was because I was so terrified. He told me to shut up and demanded I give him money.

“I saw three other men running towards me. I thought they came to help me but they were together. They said if I didn’t give them what they wanted they would hurt us. I was so scared because my baby girl was with me. I had pulled the buggy behind me, I was prepared to put my life on the line to protect her.

“They unzipped my coat, checked my back pockets and stole £90 and my bank card. They threw my gas card into my face.

“It was so shocking, it happened so quickly yet I felt like time had frozen. My legs felt like jelly.”

Thankfully, both mother and daughter were not hurt during the terrifying experience, but the mum-of-three was very shaken up.

She said: “I can’t believe this had happened. I had just dropped my kids off to school and I was mugged in broad daylight.

“I was so hysterical, I panicked, and I called my sister straight after it happened.

“It’s just disgusting that these people who I think are no older than 20, are targeting vulnerable residents. I have three children, I work hard, pay my bills, and you have these yobs who go around and steal other people’s hard-earned money.

“When I was being mugged, no one came to help me. I wasn’t expecting them to jump in and fight off the yobs but no one bothered to call the police. They just walked by. It’s very disappointing.”

She is also very concerned her neighbourhood has become dangerous. She said: “I moved to Basildon about six years ago, and it’s just getting worse and worse. I still remember the one who grabbed me.

“He had quite a deep scar underneath his right eye, and he looked like a drug addict. I contacted police, hopefully they can catch them before they target others.”

l Essex Police were contacted for a comment, however they were unable to respond before the paper went to print.