A YOUNG boy was threatened with a knife before having his coat stolen after being confronted by a gang.

Essex Police were called to East Hill, in Colchester, at about 4pm on Tuesday after receiving reports of a knifepoint robbery.

Upon arrival it was established the shaken-up victim had been approached by a group of eight boys, two of whom were on bikes.

He was then threatened with a knife before the gang stole his coat and fled the scene into the Riverside Estate.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Officers attended and conducted a search of the area but could not locate the suspects.

“Enquiries are ongoing and no arrests have been made at this stage. If you were in the area and witnessed anything suspicious, please contact us.”

Gazette: NewsquestNewsquest (Image: Newsquest)

The appeal comes after horrified mum Kat Harvey spoke to the Gazette about how her twin boys were robbed in East Bay Allotments, which is just off East Hill.

The 15-year-old schoolboys, who “thought they were going to die”, reportedly had their iPhone stolen by a group of thugs.

Kat had given her sons the phone so they could keep in contact, but says she is now too afraid to let them have one, through fear a similar thing could happen again.

One eyewitness, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “I was walking through the moors when a group of lads with knives came running past.

“We walked up to the allotments when a man told me about boys being mugged.

"They all thought they were going to get hurt and were all shaken up."

READ MORE: Twins left terrified after armed gang attack in Colchester

Anyone with information about the knifepoint robbery can contact Essex Police by visiting essex.police.uk and using the Live Chat service between Monday and Friday.

Alternatively, you can call 101 or make an anonymous report with Crimestoppers by visiting their website or calling 0800 555 111.

When providing information to the police in relation to the incident quote reference number 798 of October 11.