A MAN was stabbed in the leg and kicked in the head when he confronted two boys who stole his phone.

The incident took place in Southwalters Road near the Canvey Dyke on the island at around 3am this morning.

It was reported a man was approached by two people, believed to be teenage boys, and had his phone stolen.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "When the victim, a man in his 30s, attempted to get it back he was stabbed in the leg and kicked to the head.

"We do not believe this incident is linked to two reported robberies in Link Road and Harvest Road earlier on the same night.

"We will be increasing the number of officers patrolling the area tonight to reassure the community."

A man was hit in the head and another man and woman were robbed by three men wearing ski masks and carrying a hammer and knife earlier this morning.

Call 101 with information quoting the crime reference number 42/93954/19 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.