TWO youths charged with robbing teenagers at gunpoint have been remanded in custody.

The 17 and 15-year-old boys appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court yesterday charged in connection with two robberies in Shoebury. Neither can be named for legal reasons.

The 17-year-old, from Shoebury, was charged with robbery, possession of an imitation firearm and blackmail.

It is alleged he was with two other youths in Shoebury High Street at about 1pm on Saturday when a 14-year-old boy was threatened with a gun and knife before he handed over £8.

It is also alleged he later tried to get a further £200 from the victim.

The 17-year-old entered no plea and was remanded to appear at Southend Youth Court on Thursday.

The 15-year-old, also from Shoebury, is charged with two counts of robbery. It is alleged he was involved in the robbery of two 15-year-old boys in Constable Way.

He is said to have threatened the pair with an imitation black and silver handgun. He is also charged with possessing an imitation firearm.

The court heard he allegedly took an iPhone from one teenager and a Blackberry from the other.

The youth, who had two women supporting him from the public gallery, entered no plea and was remanded to appear before Southend Youth Court also on Thursday.

A third boy, 16, arrested in connection with the robberies on Saturday was released without charge.