Attackers beat up a man so they could steal his wallet - but got away with just £5.
The three pounced on the victim in an alleyway off High Woods Square, near Tesco, in Colchester, kicking him and ripping his shirt in the struggle.
After the attack the robbers ran off towards Chinook with the 25-year-old's wallet, leaving the man with scratches on his chest and a cut lip.
The men were all described as white.
One, who grabbed hold of the victim's shirt and ripped it, was 5ft 9ins tall, aged 18 to 20, had a medium build.
He was wearing a white cap, a dark tracksuit top, white tracksuit bottoms and white trainers.
A second robber, who grabbed the victim by the arm, was 6ft tall, 18 to 20, and of medium build.
He was wearing a blue baseball cap, a black top zipped up to cover part if his face, white tracksuit bottoms and dark trainers.
The third attacker, who kicked the victim, was wearing dark tracksuit bottoms.
Published Thursday August 12, 2004
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