A MAN needed hospital treatment after being stabbed twice by a gang of thugs who tried to steal his mobile phone.

He was attacked by a gang of three men in Chigwell Road, Woodford Bridge, who knifed him in his shoulder and side when he refused to hand over the device.

The man, who has not been named but is thought to be in his 40s, was taken to the Royal London Hospital after the assault, which took place on the footpath next to Ashton Playing Fields between 8pm and 8.40pm on Sunday February 21.

The robbers are all described as black men, who were wearing hooded tops at the time of the attack.

The injured man has since been released from hospital.

Anyone with any information should call DS Gary Clarke at Ilford Police Station on: 8345 2610 or Crimestoppers on: 0800 500 111.