THOUSANDS of pounds in cash was stolen during a daylight robbery in Westcliff.

A 52-year-old woman was walking along Hainault Avenue in Westcliff, between 12.30pm and 12.55pm when she was approached from behind by three suspects.

They grabbed her handbag, which contained a four-figure sum of cash, from her shoulder.

The woman suffered minor injuries to her neck and shoulder and detectives are now investigating the incident.

The suspects are described as three teenage boys, possibly aged between 14 and 16.

One was white and two are described as possibly Eastern European.

One of the trio was on a bicycle at the time of the incident.

The incident occurred on Thursday, June 25.

Witnesses or anyone with information can contact Rayleigh CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.