TWO teenagers have been jailed for a total of 11 years for a series of robberies in Southend.

Ashley Harrison and Ethan Ellis were involved in a number of robberies across the town earlier this year, during which they made threats of violence against their victims.

On February 7, Harrison approached a 19-year-old man near the Seaway car park, in Southend, and demanded he hand over his property.

When the victim ignored him, Harrison threatened to stab him if he refused to hand over his mobile phone and money.

The victim handed over his iPhone 6 and bank card, which was later used to withdrawn £300.

On February 16, Harrison and Ellis approached a 15-year-old boy in London Road, Westcliff.

Harrison demanded the boy handed over his mobile phone and threatened to hurt him. The victim managed to run away and the pair left empty handed.

They were arrested close to the scene.

DS Chris Adam, investigating officer, of Southend CID, said: “Harrison and Ellis targeted teenagers who were doing nothing more than innocently walking within their neighbourhoods. They threatened their victims with violence if they did not hand over their possessions.

“They were both subsequently arrested and we worked closely with British Transport Police. Ellis and Harrison have been sent to prison for their callous actions and I hope this outcome offers some comfort to their victims.”

Harrison, 19, of London Road, Westcliff, received six years for three robberies and one attempted robbery and received concurrent sentences for three further robberies, fraud, conspiracy to steal and another attempted robbery.

Ellis, 19, of York Road, Southend, was handed five years for three robberies and an attempted robbery and received concurrent sentences for another two attempted robberies, possession of an identity document, theft and conspiracy to steal.