A YOUNG man was threatened at knifepoint in broad daylight during a terrifying street robbery.

Officers at Basildon CID are investigating two muggings which took place in the space of nine hours.

A 21-year-old man was pushed to the floor and had a weapon, thought to be a knife, pushed against his body during the first incident in Timberlog Lane, Basildon.

The robbery took place at 4pm on Monday, May 4.

Thieves rifled through the shaken victims pockets and fled with £300 cash and an iPhone 6, thought to be worth £500.

In the early hours of the following morning, a 55-yearold man was approached by a yob armed with a baseball bat in New Century Road, Laindon.

He was verbally abused and threatened with the baseball bat, before being ordered to empty his pockets.

The robber, who struck at around 12.30am, fled with £40 cash.

Phil Rackley, Independent Labour councillor for St Martin’s ward, and a Laindon resident, said: “You wouldn’t expect something like to this happen as early as 4pm.

Timberlog Lane is a main thoroughfare for people going to and from the town centre, it's not like these robberies have taken place in discreet areas.

“This is certainly a real matter of concern.

“We all need to be vigilant and keep large amounts of cash and expensive belongings hidden from view.

“I would urge anyone who saw anything suspicious around the time of the robberies to get in touch with the police.”

It is not yet known whether the two street robberies are related.

Anyone with information about the incidents is urged to contact Basildon CID on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.