A MAN was targeted by armed thugs and robbed him of his phone and bag while waiting for a bus.

Concerns have been raised about the levels of violent crime around Pitsea with council rows delaying calls for extra security measures.

Police are appealing for information after the man, in his 20s, was robbed in London Road, Pitsea on Wednesday night.

Shortly before 11pm, a silver Mercedes with three men inside approached them the victim and a friend who was waiting with him.

One of the men threatened the victim with a knife before stealing his phone and bag.

It appears the knifepoint robbery was committed by the gang simply because they could get away with it as the phone was quickly discarded.

One resident, who has asked to remain anonymous, said: “Yet more knife crime in Pitsea – it’s getting beyond a joke now.

“What’s it going to take for the powers that be to help make us feel safe to leave our own homes?”

Last week, Labour councillors staged a dramatic walk-out of a heated council meeting following a row about safety measures in Pitsea.

The Basildon Labour Party brought forward a motion calling for a group to be set up of only councillors representing Pitsea North West and Pitsea South East wards to recommend appropriate measures to address crime in Pitsea.

Some of the suggestions brought by the party included a knife amnesty bin in Pitsea for a minimum period of six weeks. A Conservative motion amended it to include the whole borough, which Labour disagreed with and so left the meeting.

Andy Ansell, Labour councillor for Pitsea South East said: "It's deeply worrying to hear of this latest incident.

"Basildon Council needs to be doing everything it can to support our hardworking police team.

"This is why last Thursday I called on the council to consider funding a knife amnesty bin to take knives of Pitsea's street."

Police want to hear from anyone who witnessed this incident or who may have information. If you have any information about the incident please call officers on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/181122/18.

Alternatively, if you would rather remain anonymous, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.