Vile "bullies" have been blasted by community leaders after a teen was attacked by a gang of armed thugs.

The victim was hit with a bottle by four thugs who then rummaged through his pockets once he collapsed onto the floor.

The 16-year-old had been walking through an alley near Prittlewell Chase, Southend, when four men with their faces covered attacked him.

He was hit over the head with a bottle and knocked to the floor.

The group continued to assault him while he was on the floor, before searching through his pockets.

Nothing was stolen during the attack and the boy is not believed to be seriously injured.

Police are urgently appealing for information after the violent attack at 10.40pm on Sunday March 29, but have only just released details.

The incident has caused fury in the town, with community leaders blasting the vile yobs.

Kevin Buck, Tory councillor for Prittlewell said: “This is a pretty terrifying incident and as a father of two teenagers myself my thoughts go out to this victim and his family.

“I think it’s appalling that groups of people can go about doing this sort of thing. It’s the grace of god that he’s not badly injured.

“It beggars belief that four men would pick on a defenceless boy like this, it’s bullying and there’s no place for this in our borough.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We are appealing for information following a robbery where a 16 year-old boy was assaulted with a bottle.

“If you saw anything, have any CCTV or dash cam footage, or have any other information please call us on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/48499/20 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”