Police are appealing for witnesses after two knifepoint robberies in Basildon town centre.

The CCTV and efit image shows a man believed both robberies in East Walk, around midnight on Monday, November 5.

The Eastgate Centre opened for customerswho wanted to go to Game store and purchase Halo 4, which was released at midnight.

While people were queuing outside the centre two men caused a disturbance.

Later when people were leaving the store, just after midnight, a 22-year-old man from Billericay was approached by the same two men in East Walk, near the Panasonic shop, threatened him with a knife and stole his Sony Ericsson mobile phone.

Within minutes a 41-year-old woman was walking near Santander and the same two men attempted to rob her of her handbag. She was threatened with the knife but fortunately the fled empty-handed.

Police are appealing for anyone who recognises the man shown in CCTV and depicted in the efit to contact Dc Glen Crosby at the Basildon Target Team on 101. Police are also appealing for any witnesses to the initial disturbance to contact them.

Information can also be given anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111