Basildon incident sees woman and young boy threatened

The man reportedly threatened to kill the duo before he pulled a blade out from his pocket during the incident in Ballards Walk.

A group of nearby teenagers are said to have intervened and come to the woman and boy’s rescue, with the man then fleeing the scene.

Police have confirmed an investigation is underway into the incident, which happened around 3.35pm on Monday.

The woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “The man just started shouting at me and my nephew, threatening us, saying he would kill us, before pulling a knife out of his back pocket.

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“A group of teenage boys then came up to us and they checked we were ok.

“They got us out the way to the shops and waited with us until the police arrived.

“My nephew burst into tears once we got into the shop, he was literally shaking from head to toe.

“It was shocking and so scary.”

The woman admits she is grateful to the teenagers who intervened, adding: “I would like to say thank you to those boys that came to our rescue.

“They reassured my nephew he was safe, and helped the police with enquiries.

“Not all teenage boys are trouble, and anyone one of those boys’ parents should be proud of them.”

Essex Police says no arrests have been made in connection with the incident and is urging witnesses to come forward.

A spokesman said: “We were called to reports that a woman had been threatened by a man in Basildon.

“It was reported the victim, who’s in her 30s, had been approached by a man, who had what has been described as a knife.

“The man has been described to as a white, in his 40s or 50s, 5ft 8ins tall, and wearing a white top and blue jeans.

“If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.”

Anyone giving information should quote crime reference number 42/225801/22.