Detectives have appealed for information after a schoolboy was robbed in Braintree.

On Sunday at about 7.15pm, the 16-year-old boy was walking along an alleyway on the Goldingham Estate, between Thackeray Close and Browning Road, when he was approached by four young men.

They demanded money and threatened to assault him if he refused to hand over cash.

The boy gave them two £10 notes and ran off.

Detective Constable Nick Campbell said: “The boy was confronted by the four men when he turned a sharp corner in the alleyway.

“They blocked his path and demanded cash and threatened to stamp on his face if he refused.

“The boy was badly shaken but managed to run off towards Thackeray Close after giving them £20. The four men then ran off towards Browning Road.

“We will not tolerate this sort of crime in Braintree and we are determined to catch the criminals involved.

“We would welcome any help from the public and want to like to hear from anyone who saw the four men hanging around in the area before the robbery or might have seen them running away.”

An Essex Police spokesman said the men were all about 6ft tall, aged between 18-22 and are believed to have Irish accents.

They were all wearing hooded tops or hooded tracksuits, with the hoods pulled down over their faces.

Anyone with information should contact Dc Campbell or colleagues at Braintree CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.