A man was slashed on the arm and in the stomach as an armed pair of men demanded he hand over his wallet and phone.

The 21-year-old man was approached by two men in Hangman’s Wood, near the Esso Garage on the Daneholes Roundabout, in Grays at 11.10pm on Thursday May 7.

One of the men had a lock knife and demanded his wallet and mobile phone.

When the victim said he did not have the items he was slashed with the knife on his arm and stomach. He managed to get the knife off the first suspect and both men ran off.

He suffered minor injuries.

Police have been carrying out enquiries and officers believe there were people in the area who may have seen these two men.

The first was described as white, about 5ft 9ins tall and of medium build. He had deep set eyes and short brown hair. He wore gloves, a black zip up tracksuit jacket with a reflective logo on the left side of the chest and matching tracksuit bottoms. His face was covered with a dark scarf.

The second man was described as white, about 6ft tall and of medium build. He wore a black hooded jumper with a logo on the left side of the chest, jeans, black trainers and gloves. His face was covered with a black scarf.

Anyone with information is asked to call PC Manoj Patel in Grays CID on 101 quoting reference 42/65452/20.

You can also report online at https://www.essex.police.uk Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers charity 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org