A BUNGLING robber attempted to steal a car... but ended up with just a sandwich.

The crook approached a man who was washing his vehicle at the Tesco petrol station on the Mayflower Retail Park, off the A127 in Pitsea, at around 11pm On Friday, January 10.

He demanded the victim hand over his car keys and any cash he had, but then punched the vehicle owner before running off.

The suspect then stole a bag from the car, which just contained a sandwich.

The wanted man is described as white, aged 18 to 23, with stubble.

DC Andy Rowley, of Basildon CID, said: "At the time that this happened the petrol station shop was shut but this is close to the main Tesco store which is open 24 hours and I am hoping some late night shoppers might have witnessed this incident or seen the men responsible in the area at the relevant time.”

Witnesses should call 101.