A TEENAGE boy was attacked by a gang of yobs armed with large kitchen knives.

The youngster was targeted by the group, who were on bikes, in Vaulux Road, Canvey near Canvey Lake on Saturday night.

His worried father took to Facebook to warn others.

Essex Police has urged anyone with information to come forward.

The dad, who the Echo will not name, said: “At about 8.50pm near the yellow bridge at the lake my boy was mugged at knife point by a group of nine to ten kids on bikes all wearing black and balaclavas.

“My son was part of a group of nine or ten boys and girls.

“As they walked across the bridge, he was picked off the back and had four kitchen knives held to his stomach, back and sides.

“If anyone has any CCTV footage or saw anything could you please contact the police.”

The incident has been met with fury on the island while residents have called for the community to “stand up” to bad behaviour.

Beryl Tanner, 44, of Long Road, Canvey said: “This is absolutely disgusting behaviour.

“It must have been so terrifying for this young boy. I really feel for him and his family. Our youngsters should be able to enjoy going out and about during their school holidays without being attacked like this.

“We as a community need to stand up strong against this sort of vile behaviour.

“We shouldn’t have to put up with this.”

Peter Brooke, 40, of May Avenue, Canvey, said he hopes the police catch the attackers.

He said: “The lake is a lovely and very popular part of our island and we don’t want this sort of thing happening there.

“This could put the victim off from going to the lake with friends of an evening, but I really hope this is not the case.

“It sounds like a terrifying attack; he must have been so scared.

“It doesn’t really bear thinking about - I have children and they go to the lake with friends.

“It does make you think, but we mustn’t be put off going out.”

Essex Police confirmed an investigating into the incident. A spokesman said: “The victim is a teenager and it’s believed to have happened on Vaulx Road.

“Anyone who has any information should call Essex Police on 101, quoting crime reference number 42/128469/19 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

It happened on Saturday August 10.