Ten youths assaulted a lone man and tried to grab his bag in an alleyway attack in Grays.

The man, in his 20s, was walking in the alleyway of Station Approach near Grays station at about 6.25pm on Tuesday when a group of eight males and two females approached him.

The youths tried to grab his bag and mobile phone then punched the man, who is from Grays, in the face.

It is understood they did not manage to get away with the items.

The crime scene was closed off to the public for around two hours following the assault. 

A resident who lives nearby said the gang of youths had been 'increasingly gathering' in that area in the past few weeks.

Police have urged witnesses to the assault and attempted robbery on Tuesday September 20 to come forwards.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Police are investigating the attempted robbery of a man in his 20s from Grays which happened at 6.25pm on Tuesday, September 20.

"It occurred in an alleyway off Station Approach. The victim describes a group of ten youths, eight male and two female who tried to grab his bag and his mobile phone. He was punched to the face. 

"Anyone with information is asked to contact police at Grays CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."