A MAN from Thurrock has been convicted of kidnap and robbery.

Hassan Nazir and two other men had robbed a man in Chichester Road, Southend. He was grabbed from behind, threatened with a small knife and had his mobile phone and wallet taken from him.

The victim, aged in his 20s, was then forced into the back of a car and further threatened with violence. The car stopped several times at cash machines, where his bank card was used to withdraw £5,683.

After about three hours, he was let out at a taxi rank in Grays and forced to make his own way home to Southend. Officers scoured CCTV as part of the investigation and released images of the suspects as part of a public appeal.

As a result, Nazir, now 20, was identified. Following further enquiries, he was charged in connection with the crimes, which took place on 27 November 2018.

Nazir, of Lodge Lane, Grays, denied the charges and stood trial at Basildon Crown Court on Wednesday, 23 June. He was convicted by a jury yesterday, Tuesday, 29 June, and is due to be sentenced in late August.

DC Rosie Digweed said: "This was a terrifying incident in which the victim feared for his life.

"I'd like to thank the victim in this case for his bravery and support throughout the investigation and the trial.

"I would also like to thank the public for helping us identify Nazir.

"Any piece of information, however small, can be vital to our investigations and we are extremely grateful to residents who respond to our appeals for information as it really does help us bring criminals to justice."