A GANG of youths ran riot holding teens at “knifepoint” while riding on e-scooters.
The yobs, believed to be a group of four, stole money, a phone, and earphones off a 15-year-old on West Road, in Westcliff, with witnesses reporting a knife being brandished.
Less than an hour later, Harrison Constorphine, 12, had his phone and earphones taken in London Road, Westcliff.
Police believe both incidents on Monday are linked.
It follows 50 yobs chasing a group of teenagers and demanding they hand over their bikes on Sunday near Southend Airport retail park.
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Jonny Constorphine, Harrison’s dad, revealed police told him the gang had been involved in “five other robberies in the area in the previous hour”.
The 51-year-old said: “Harrison came home absolutely traumatised. He was speechless.
“All he kept saying was robbed, robbed, robbed.
“It was shocking to see him like that, I thought he’d been stabbed.
“I think they were from London, they rode off towards Prittlewell station.
“I hope with all the CCTV in the area and at the station police can get somewhere.”
Mr Constorphine thanked the shopkeeper at the nearby Sabri Foods, after he heard “screaming” outside and chased the gang down the road.
The gang have been described as wearing all black clothing, with one wearing a hat and scarf.
Victims reported that three of the gang were roughly 18-years-old, while one was younger at around 15-years-old.
The attack on the 15-year-old left worried parents urging mums and dads with teenagers to “remain vigilant.”
A spokesman from Essex Police, said: “We are investigation a robbery and a theft in Westcliff which we believe are linked.
“It was reported a 15 year-old boy had been robbed in West Road at around 4pm on Monday 31 May. The victim had money, his phone, and earphones stolen.
“Then, at around 4.50pm, a 12 year-old boy had his phone and earphones taken in London Road. Our enquiries are ongoing.
“If you have any information you can submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk or use the ‘Live Chat’ button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm. Please quote the crime reference number 42/102760/21.”
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