A WESTCLIFF man has been in charged in connection with an armed robbery and aggravated burglary in Witham.

Regan Coulson, 18, of Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff, was arrested and questioned on February, 13 later being charged for robbery and aggravated burglary.

Police were altered to the incidents which took place shortly after 6.30pm on January, 3 where a man in Pelly Avenue was approached from behind by a number of armed men, who ordered him to hand over his possessions.

The victim passed his phone to the men but was then taken to his home under duress while the men searched his home.

A number of men were were subsequently linked to the incident by Braintree CID. 

Mr Coulson appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 15 February and denied the charges, being released on court bail.

A hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court has been set for March, 11.

Detective Chief Inspector Rob Huddleston said: “This investigation has required significant work and investigative expertise from the whole of Braintree CID. We know the impact that incidents such as this can have on victims and indeed the wider community.

“This investigation is still very much ongoing, but I would like our residents to know that we will work determinedly to identify and locate everyone we believe to be involved and to ensure justice for this victim.”