A ROBBER has been convicted of his role in a gang that kidnapped and robbed members of the public in Southend.

Hassan Nazir has been taken into custody after a jury convicted him of kidnapping and two counts of robbery at Basildon Crown Court.

The 20-year-old of Lodge Lane, Grays, had denied all involvement in the attacks which took place on November 25 and 27 in 2018.

The victims were walking in Southend either from the shops or from work, when they were targeted by the gang who threatened violence if they didn't hand over their bank cards and PIN numbers.

One victim was struck in the leg causing a fracture, while the other was forced into a car and driven around for an hour while the gang hacked into his account.

Nazir was identified by CCTV footage, but had denied all involvement.

But the jury of ten women and two men convicted him by a majority verdict of all counts on Tuesday night.

Judge Andrew Hurst thanked the jury for their service and discharged them.

Nazir, who was on bail before conviction, was taken into custody and a pre-sentence report will be prepared.

He is due to be sentenced at the same court the week commencing August 23 this year.

The jury previously heard that the first victim was struck on his leg after the gang shouted "get down, police, get down" before they demanded his bank card and PIN number.

The second victim was walking to his car after working at Coral at 10.30pm when he was cornered by the gang and held against the wall before they kidnapped him.

Nazir faces a lengthy prison sentence for his role in the attacks.