THUGS attacked a man "several times" before taking his "distinctive" quad bike in a residential Benfleet street.

The victim was approached by two men dressed in all black, with one wearing a cap and blue face mask, in Hall Farm Road today at around 1pm before being assaulted.

The bike stolen is a camouflage coloured CF Moto 495cc quad bike with a large water tank filled with weed killer on the back.

It was last seen heading towards Thundersley. Police have issued an appeal for anyone with any information to contact them.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We are appealing for information following a robbery that occurred in Benfleet today (July 23), around 1pm.

"Two suspects both dressed in black, one wearing a cap and blue facemask, approached the victim in Hall Farm road and assaulted him several times before taking a camouflage coloured CF Moto 495cc Quad bike, vehicle registration number is KW23PPK. It is fairly distinctive and has a large water tank on the back filled with weed killer."

They added: "If you have seen this vehicle in the area, or have dash cam please contact us at essex.police.uk/ro/report quoting investigation 42/112757/24."

A report can be submitted using the Essex Police website or by calling 101. Information can also be given 100 per cent anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.