Mersea Road Colchester robbery being probed by Essex Police

The victim was walking along Mersea Road, in Colchester, when he was attacked in broad daylight on Thursday.

The perpetrators sprung out of bushes next to the road and assaulted the man, punching him in the face before taking his belongings.

Essex Police said a bag, cash and bank cards were among the items taken during the aggressive robbery.

Attack - the robbery took place in Mersea Road, Colchester (Image: Google)

A spokesman said officers attended the scene shortly after 2.15pm where they spoke with the victim.

“The victim reported two suspects had punched him to the face, before taking his bag, an amount of cash and bank cards,” he said.

"If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.”

Berechurch councillor Dave Harris said he was “absolutely shocked” to hear what had happened.

Shocked - Berechurch councillor Dave Harris (Image: Newsquest)

“It is shocking that this sort of thing happens so close to home and I really hope the person hurt is doing alright,” said Mr Harris.

“The perception is there is a lot of crime around here in Berechurch but mostly it is a very safe place to live.

“It is the incidents like this that make this false perception as actually shocking stuff like this is very rare.”

The councillor also hit out at critics who claim the police do not have a strong enough presence in the ward.

“They are active in the area. People perceive that they are not but I went out on the beat with them and they were engaging with lots of residents,” he added.

“All the police officers I have met all joined the force to make a positive difference in the community and are not in it for personal gain.

“They are people who are very community minded and work to protect Colchester, not to better themselves.”