RESIDENTS are being advised by a high ranking police officer not to walk home alone at night after a man was robbed at knifepoint in the early hours of the morning.

Insp Ian Hughes issued the warning after a man walking in Ambleside Drive, Southend, was approached by two men just after 1.30am yesterday.

One man was carrying a knife which he threatened the victim with before ordering him to and over his phone and wallet.

The victim did so before managing to run off to call the police.

Thankfully no-one was injured in the incident.

Insp Hughes warned residents to be careful when walking at night.

He said: "It is important that the public are aware of their surroundings whilst walking home late at night.

"Try to not walk home on your own and avoid walking along using mobile phones.

"Stick to well lit routes which are not isolated from other members of the public."

Police armed with a Taser attended Ambleside Drive at around 1.50am after receiving the call.

They did not use the Taser during the incident.

A 43-year-old man was arrested by police.

He remains in custody.

A second suspect has not been found by Essex Police.

No description has been released of the suspect, and officers are continuing to search for him.

If you have any information about the incident that can help police in their investigation, you are asked to call Southend CID quoting 42/123872/18.

You can also contact Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously if you call 0800 555 111.

You can also report any information you may have online by filling out the online form at crimestoppers-uk.org

More information about personal safety and keeping safe is available on the Essex Police website at essex.police.uk/advice/personal-safety/

It includes advice to always trust your instincts, not talk on the phone while walking along and to try to stay with other people or in lit areas.