Boy, 16, attacked by gang near Pitsea market

The 16-year-old victim was attacked near Pitsea market area, Northlands Pavement, at around 6.30pm on Saturday evening, as he walked with a friend.

He was punched repeatedly in the back of the head and neck and was taken to hospital with concussion.

Witnesses saw the attacker get out of, and make off in, a Peugeot 508 with two other men, shouting out of the window at pedestrians, including the victim.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We were called shortly before 7pm on Friday, July 27 with reports that a 16-year-old boy had been assaulted in Pitsea.

“It was reported that a man got out of a silver Peugeot 508 car and punched the teenager twice in the head whilst he was walking along High Road.

“The man then got back into the vehicle.”

Detectives are appealing for a number of eyewitnesses to come forward with information.

incident was witnessed by a number of passer-bys, who Essex Police are appealing to for more information.

Labour Pitsea South East Councillor Andrew Ansell has spoken out about the need for residents and visitors alike to feel safe in Pitsea, and has made tackling the issue an urgent priority.

He said: “To hear of an incident like this is really concerning, and is something that we as councillors are working very hard to address.

“Particularly in the wake of the murder earlier this month, we are looking at ways in which violent crime in the area can be reduced.

“No resident in Pitsea should feel unsafe either out of about or in their own homes.

“We want to reassure the public that the appropriate steps are being taken.”

Councillor Ansell has also requested a meeting with senior police officers in order to collaborate on a joint strategy in dealing with what he believes to be rising levels of crime in Pitsea.

If you witnessed the attack, or have any information relating to it, contact officers at Basildon Police Station on 101, quoting reference 42/107843/18.