Two teens arrested over train station robberies

Officers from Essex Police and the British Transport Police have been working to solve a number of robberies in and and around train stations, including Shoebury, Thorpe Bay, Southend East and Basildon.

This week three teenagers have been arrested and one has been charged with multiple counts of robbery.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Officers have charged a teenager in connection with two robberies and a theft in Southend.

“A 17-year-old boy from London, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested and charged on Monday following reports of a theft from a supermarket on North Shoebury Road, Shoebury.

“He was also charged in connection with robberies on Acacia Drive on January 17 and Barnstaple Road on February 4, in which teenage victims reported being threatened with a knife.

“He appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court and has been released on bail.”

A spokesman for the British Transport Police confirmed they had arrested two 17-year-old boys in connection to three robberies - at Southend East, Laindon and Westcliff stations.

They have been released on bail.

Several victims have spoken out to the Echo about a number of terrifying attacks.

These included an attack on a man near Shoebury train station where he was punched in the face after being threatened and robbed.

Another man was forced to flee across train tracks at Southend East train station when two men approached him and demanded his phone.

Handbags, bikes, electrical items and other items have been stolen.

Prominent Southend businessman Philip Miller MBE also condemned the incidents after an employee of Adventure Island, which he owns, was robbed after being threatened with a knife.

In response to the high number of incidents, Essex Police increased the number of patrols in key areas across the borough and has since made two arrests.

Possible links between the numerous incidents are being investigated.

Anyone with information call police on 101.