A teenage boy was knocked of his moped and beaten by a gang of men.

A black Volkswagen Golf struck the 16-year-old boy, who was riding his moped, in The Hatterill, Laindon, at about 1am yesterday morning.

Three men then got out of the car and began beating the teenager in what detectives believe was a "targeted attack".

He was punched by two of them, and threatened with a knife and what appeared to be a gun.

His moped was then stolen.

Det Con Nicholas May, of Basildon CID, said: “This is a really nasty incident, which we believe was targeted.

"The victim is receiving treatment for chest injuries, which are not life threatening.

“I am appealing for witnesses who saw a black Volkswagen Golf in the area at the time, or saw what happened.

"It’s thought there were up to five men in the car, who were all described as white and wore dark clothes.”

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Basildon CID on 101 immediately quoting reference 42/135230/18.

Alternatively, contact the independent crimefighting charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111.

You can also share information anonymously online by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online.