A postman was robbed of his van after crooks forced him from the driver’s seat and drove off before stealing all the contents inside.

The 22-year-old man was parked in Arcadia Road, Burnham, at around 2.25pm on Wednesday, November 14.

While he was sitting in his van, another van with three men inside pulled up alongside him.

One man got out of the van and pulled the postman from the driver’s seat.

The suspect then got into the van and drove away with the other vehicle following him.

The Royal Mail van was found a short time later in Wick Road.

All of the mail and parcels inside the vehicle were stolen.

No descriptions have been released of the suspects involved in the incident. Following the incident, a spokesman for Royal Mail said: “He was shocked and shaken up but fortunately not seriously injured.

“We are assisting the police in their investigations and we would urge anyone with any information to contact the police.”

Burnham Town councillor Nick Skeens described the incident as “really disturbing” and said he had never heard of anything like it in Burnham.

He said: “I do not think these thieves care, it is a crime of opportunity I suppose and coming up to Christmas there could be a lot of valuable goods in that van, presents and cash which could be taken.

“It is appalling. This is not something I expect of people in my community.

“This shows a complete and utter disregard for what these robbers would also expect to benefit from themselves.

“One can only express their deepest sympathies to the poor guy who was set upon by these thugs.”

The spokesman for the Royal Mail also offered advice to residents whose mail may have been taken during the theft.

He added: “Anyone concerned about mail items intended for delivery in the area should contact our customer services team through our website; royalmail.com, on Twitter @RoyalMailHelp or by phone at 03457 740 740.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Chelmsford CID on 101 quoting reference 42/166640/18.