A TEENAGE boy was beaten up by a gang of robbers in Gloucester Park, Basildon.

The 16-year-old was on his way to Prospects College, Basildon. When he walked over a hill he spotted the four lads coming towards him.

One of the gang shouted "oi!" and then punched the victim in the face.

The boy fell to the ground and covered his face to protect himself. However, he was repeatedly kicked in the ribs.

As he lay helpless, the yobs rifled through his pockets and grabbed his mobile phone and £40 cash before running off.

The victim suffered a black eye, cut lip and bruising to his ribs. He made his way to college where a teacher called an ambulance and he was taken to Basildon Hospital.

Investigating officer PC Rob Couchman said: "This was a completely unprovoked and violent attack, which happened without justification or warning, on a young boy on his way to college.

"He was left very shaken following the attack and had to be taken to hospital to be treated for his injuries.

"There would have been people in and around the park at the time of the incident and I would ask anyone who saw the robbery, spotted the attackers or knows who they are, to contact me urgently."

The gang were white boys, aged between 14 and 16.

The ringleader, who punched the boy in the face, was 6ft tall and wore a black hooded top, a black baseball cap and Adidas trainers.

Witnesses to the robbery, which happened at 8.30pm on Wednesday, can contact PC Couchman at Basildon police on 0300 3334444.