A MOTHER fears Southend town centre has become ‘lawless’ after her adult son was allegedly threatened and robbed in McDonald’s.

Essex Police are investigating the robbery which reportedly took place in the High Street McDonald’s at about 1pm on Saturday afternoon.

The mother, who wished to remain anonymous in fear of reprisals, says her son, who is in his 20s, was out eating with friends when they were set upon by a gang of masked young men and teens.

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“It’s terrifying that this stuff is going on all the time,” she said.

“They were just eating having a good time when this group of lads walked up to them and started threatening them.”

She claims the gang asked where her son and friends were from and if they were involved with gangs.

“My son tried to explain they didn’t do stuff like that, but before he knew anything they pinned one of his friends to the wall and went through his pockets, but luckily didn’t take anything.

“They then turned to my son and took his brand-new Nike gloves threatening to hurt him if he didn’t hand them over.”

She added: “I want to know my children can walk down the High Street at night and not have gangs of lads pull up on them.”

 “Southend is a scary place now, these kids are running around stealing, fighting and causing terror. The town feels lawless at times.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: “We are investigating an allegation of robbery in Southend.

“The incident was reported to have taken place at McDonalds, High Street, on Saturday 3 December.

“The victim, a man 20s, reported being approached by a group of men who took his gloves.

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

“You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

“Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services.

Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

“Please quote crime 42/293101/22 when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.”