Detectives have appealed for information after a man was assaulted and robbed of his car at Basildon.

The incident happened at about 12.45am on Thursday, November 6 at Petunia Close.

The man who lives locally and is aged in his 20s, was driving his black Vauxhall Corsa near the junction with Little Oxcroft when a silver Fiat 500 braked ahead of him, forcing him to stop.

Four men, one holding what appeared to be a silver handgun, jumped from the Fiat and told the victim to get out of his car. He tried to fight back but was punched at least 10 times.

He managed to escape and ran off, chased briefly by two of the group. When he was able to return to the scene of the assault both cars had gone.

Investigating office DC Steve Dawkins said: "This was a particularly vicious attack in which the driver was first threatened by a man with some sort of handgun, then by all four who punched him when he tried to fight back.

"The man was punched about 10 times in the face and head and although he was badly shaken he did not require hospital treatment.

"We want to hear from any witnesses who saw the incident or anyone who saw the Fiat in the area at the time or both cars leaving the area. Three black men a and a white man were involved in the attack”.

Anyone with information should contact DC Dawkins at Basildon CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.