Young mum threatened with broken bottle

Essex Police say the actions of a street robber, who threatened a woman in Basildon with a broken bottle, is 'despicable'.

The 21 year old woman was out with her 6 month old daughter when she was made to hand over money in Laindon Link on Saturday afternoon, in one of two street robberies like this in the last couple of days.

The second attack happened the following afternoon, when a 46-year-old woman had been walking along Nethermayne near Basildon University Hospital and was also threatened by a man holding a broken bottle.

Neither victim was hurt during the robberies.

Investigating Officer, Dc Kerry McCarthy, said: “To steal from anybody is despicable, but to target a mum pushing her child in a pushchair is beyond contempt. Both women must have been terrified when they had the broken bottles thrust at them and their awful experiences may never leave them. Someone must know this man. He was unkempt. He is very distinctive in his appearance and his clothing so we’re hoping that someone can identify him for us. The sooner we catch him the better."

The robber is described as white, in his 30s, approximately 5ft 8ins tall, of slim build, had scruffy hair and was sporting a large scar on his cheek. At the time, he was wearing black and orange trainers.

Anyone with information in connection with these robberies is urged to contact detectives at Basildon police station on 0300 333 4444.