TWO men were cut with a knife as they walked home from a night out.

The pair were on London Road, Westcliff, when they were approached by a man who demanded they hand over their mobile phones.

One of the men, a 19 year-old from Benfleet, quickly handed his over but when his 20 year-old friend from South Ockendon refused the robber lashed out.

The victim from Benfleet received a cut to his chin but did not require any further treatment, whilst the man from South Ockendon received more serious injuries.

Paramedics attended the scene at around 3.20am and took him to Southend Hospital for treatment after he suffered a knife wound under his arm.

Dc Paul Brown, who is investigating the incident, said: "The victims were lucky that they were not more seriously injured.

"Southend is never quiet, especially London Road, so I imagine there were people around at this time and I would urge them to contact me with any information so that we can identify this dangerous man."

The suspect is described as white with peroxide blonde hair.

He was wearing a two-tone jacket which was royal blue on top and white at the bottom and carrying a white drawstring bag.

The knife was hidden up his sleeve.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Southend Target Offender team on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.