WEAPON-WIELDING thugs robbed a man as he sat near a Witham shopping parade.

The two men, who wore hoodies and kept their faces covered, threatened the 22-year-old victim with a suspected firearm as he sat on a wall near the Co-op in Spa Road, at 10.30pm last Thursday.

They demanded money before the victim handed over some headphones and tobacco.

One was armed with what is suspected to have been a firearm.

Essex Police have now released CCTV images of the two men wanted as part of the investigation.

Detective Sergeant Mick Carrington, said: “We know the CCTV doesn’t show the faces of the men but I am hoping someone will recognise them from their clothing and may recall seeing them in the area at the time.

“Shortly before the incident, a teenage boy was seen in the area riding a BMX bicycle. He was thought to be around 17 years of age. He may be a witness and I’d urge him to come forward.

“Equally, two young girls were seen walking towards the shopping centre and spoke to the victim after the robbery. One was black, the other white. I’d ask these girls to contact officers as they may have information which can assist our enquiries.”

The robbery comes just days after a teenager was mugged at knife point whilst walking home from Witham town centre.

Police have stated that the two incidents are not being linked.

But residents of nearby Brain Road, in Witham, are worried about the increase in similar incidents.

One said: “Crime has definitely increased in the last six months.

“We had a spate of burglaries round here and you do hear about certain things going on.”

“I don’t think it helps that the street lights go out at night and you do not see a huge amount of police of the streets.”

Another added: “It seems to be increasing, it has got worse recently.

“I do not know what can be done, it just seems to be a getting worse; maybe because the police station is not here anymore.”

Clive Stewart, chairman of the Neighbourhood Watch Association in Essex, said: “There is no doubt that crimes of this nature are awful to hear about.

“All we, as Neighbourhood Watch can do is to remind everyone how to be more effective in protecting their own property and helping those who may feel vulnerable to do the same.”

“We acknowledge that Essex Police did not ask for their budgets to be cut so dramatically so we are keen to do what we can to work even more effectively to keep crime down.”

Anyone with information on the incidents is asked to contact officers at Braintree CID on 101or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.