A HOMELESS man had juice thrown over him during a barrage of abuse by yobs in Basildon, reports say.

Essex Police are investigating after reports a gang of youths had assaulted a man in Town Square at around 4.30pm on Monday.

Residents on social media reported seeing the group of boys and girls shouting abuse at the man, before one boy tipped a full two litre bottle of juice all over him.

Police were called to the scene to investigate and ensure the man had not been injured.

He was reported to have been left shaken, but had not suffered any serious injuries.

Images of the boy who allegedly threw the juice over the man have been circulated on social media.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We were called around 4.30pm yesterday afternoon, Monday 22 April, with reports that a boy had assaulted a man in Town Square, Basildon.

"Witnesses reported that the boy, who was part of a group, then left in the direction of East Walk.

"The man was not seriously injured.

"Enquiries are ongoing."

Anyone who witnessed the assault or has any information should contact Basildon's local policing team on 101, quoting crime reference number 42/62850/19.

People can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.