POLICE are continuing to appeal for information after a teenager was struck with a baton and punched in the chest by thugs on bikes.

Essex Police are investigating after the 16-year-old boy was robbed in Centurion Close, Shoebury, on Saturday, September 28.

The boy was walking along the road at 12.45pm when he was attacked by two other teenagers.

A police spokesman said: “One of the teenagers, described as being in his mid-teens 5ft 8ins tall with ginger hair and wearing all black with a bandanna, threatened and struck him with what has been described as a baton.

“The other teenager, who has been described as being in his mid-teens, around 5ft 8ins tall, wearing all black with a black hooded top with the hood up, repeatedly punched the victim in the chest.

“They had initially taken his mobile phone but he was able to grab it and run off.

“His earphones were taken.

“He later went to hospital for injuries to his head, back and shoulder.

“Both of his attackers are described as being on bicycles.”

Carie McGregor, 31, a Shoebury resident, said: “It’s just getting worse around here.

“These guys are willing to brandish weapons and attack people without the cover of darkness. Their confidence is ridiculous, they shouldn’t be feeling that way, but they are.”

John Grinder, 57, added: “We’re seeing more weapons on our streets now, which is so worrying. Children as young as 15 are seen with them.

“It’s not healthy, big or clever and needs to be stamped out.”

Anyone with information, dash cam or CCTV footage of the incident on Saturday should call police on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/166166/19 or Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555 111.

People can also report crime online by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org or www.essex.police.uk.

In May this year, five people were arrested after a gang of men with a machete targeted a youth club in the Saxon Gardens area of Shoebury.

The incident caused a police chase involving cars and a helicopter.

Residents fear crime is rising in the area.