Teenage boys were punched and threatened with knives as robbers demanded they hand over their belongings.

Essex Police are investigating the robbery which happened at about 7.20pm on March 12 in Willingale Road, Debden, close to Vere Road.

A group of five teenage boys were walking in Willingale Road when they were approached by four men, who asked them to hand over their belongings.

When the boys refused they were punched and threatened with knives.

The men then stole silver chains from three of the boys.

They were left with minor injuries.

The first suspect is described as black with dark hair and a thin dark beard.

He was 5ft 10in tall, aged 20 to 25-years-old, skinny and wearing a grey hooded top with a green Ralph Lauren beanie hat.

The second was also black but with lighter skin, had a shaved head, was the same age and height as the first suspect, of stocky build, wearing a black puffed jacket.

The third and fourth suspects were also black and around the same age as the other two.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Rob Guiney at Loughton CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.