DETECTIVES want to trace this man in connection with a vicious street mugging.

Essex Police has released the EFIT of one of two suspects who repeatedly kicked and punched a man before robbing him of his wallet and HTC phone.

The attack happened in Queensway, Southend, on April 13, at between 2.40 and 3am.

The 25-year-old victim from Southend was with a friend after a night out when he was assaulted. He reported it to police the following day.

An Essex Police spokeswoman said: "He said that they were on the central reservation opposite the Connexions building and Queensway surgery when they were approached by two men who then assaulted him. He was punched and kicked repeatedly before his wallet and HTC phone were stolen. The victim was left with a swollen, bruised eye, cuts and bruises."

The suspects were seen to run off from Short Street towards the post office in Short Street.

The man the EFIT is of is described as white, aged between 20 to 25 years, just under 6 foot in height, lean to muscular build, with a chubby face and short blonde crew cut style hair. He was wearing a white T-shirt and jeans.

The second man was similar in age and build with brown to black hair, wearing a gillet and dark trousers.

Anyone who recognises the suspect from the EFIT, was in the area at the time or has any other information is asked to contact Dc Vicky Caine at Southend CID on 101 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.