THREE boys have been arrested following an incident at Lakeside regional shopping centre earlier this week when a gang of balaclava-clad youths confronted a food delivery driver, attempted unsuccessfully to steal his moped but then pushed him and stole a bag of food he was attempting to deliver.

The incident happened on Wednesday, 17 August.

A police statement says: "We were called outside Lakeside Shopping Centre in West Thurrock shortly after 4pm following reports of a robbery. The victim, a food delivery driver, was approached by a group of eight to 10 boys, all wearing balaclavas.

"The group attempted to steal his moped. When they failed to do this, they pushed the victim and stole a bag of fast food, which he was due to deliver.

"Investigating officers have arrested three boys, all under the age of 16 on suspicion of robbery.

"If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us. You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services.Alternatively you can call us on 101. In an emergency always call 999.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111. Please quote incident 42/216206/22 when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible."