POLICE are appealing for witnesses after two men were threatened as they sat on a bench in Grays.

The force received information that the victims were sitting in Bridge Road when they were approached by two men at around 12.5pm on Wednesday, 18 December.

These men asked them for tobacco before grabbing one of the victim's bags and threatening him.

The man managed to run to a nearby shop and call for help.

One of the suspects has been described as being black, aged in his early 20s, around 5ft 7ins and of a stocky build with a large round nose.

He was wearing black clothing with his hood up and a black balaclava covering his face.

The other suspect has been described as being white, aged in his late teens, around 5ft 6ins and of a skinny build.

He was wearing a black hooded top with the hood up and a black balaclava covering his face.

Anyone with information is asked to call Grays CID on 101 quoting crime reference 42/199169/19.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.