POLICE are appealing for information after a man was robbed and viciously assaulted while walking close to a cemetery in Grays.

The victim, a 32-year-old man, reported that he was walking in High Street near to St Peter and St Paul Church between 10pm and 11pm on Friday 1 November when he was approached by three men.

The suspects then punched the man to the face and kicked on the floor.

He was knocked unconscious and later ground that his phone and cash had been stolen.

The victim sustained a broken eye socket, which required surgery.

The suspects have been described as being white and around 6ft tall.

Anyone with information is asked to call Grays CID on 101 quoting crime reference 42/176238/19 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.