Detectives were today hunting a vicious gang who held a steak knife to a teenager's throat before robbing him.

They believe the gang was responsible for two violent robberies on the Craylands Estate yesterday which netted them just over £100.

Shortly after 3am, a 17-year-old boy was confronted by a gang of seven men - three white and four black - who threatened him with a knife at his throat and robbed him of £10 in Lincoln Road.

The weapon was thought to be a steak knife, and a police spokesman said: "Although the youth wasn't hurt it was a very violent robbery and he was extremely distraught. It could have been far worse."

Within minutes of this a couple from Thundersley were set upon by a gang of men aged between 17 and 19 in a car park between Jordan Way and Lincoln Road.

The man was punched on the head and body before being robbed of £80 and his bank cards. The woman had her denim bag snatched which contained a purse, a bank card and other property.