A GANG attacked a man from behind as he was withdrawing cash from an ATM.

The victim was using the machine in North Station Road, Colchester, at 7pm when he was punched in the head while withdrawing the cash.

The force of the blow meant he fell to the floor.

Members of the group then continued assaulting him as he lay prone on the ground whilst others searched through his pockets and stole a number of his personal items.

Colchester Council’s cabinet member responsible for public safety, Mike Lilley (Lab) said he hoped witnesses will come forward in an area which is usually busy.

He said: “It is pretty scary. I quite often get money from a cash machine on the same road.

“A lot of people use the machines there and at that time of day the takeaway restaurants would have been open.

“The thing is, despite it being dark, somebody must have seen something as businesses would have been trading and it is not too far away from one of the most popular pubs in Colchester.”

Mr Lilley urged residents to be on their guard but said the incident could have been targeted.

He said: “It may have been they were out for a specific person.

“The area is well populated but people still need to make sure they are taking care.

“We know there are a number of gangs operating in Colchester and it could well have been targeted.”

At a briefing for the Safer Colchester Partnership last year, Colchester borough commander Chief Inspector Shaun Kane revealed specialist officers have been working on a programme to try to reduce gang activity across the borough.

Mr Lilley said he would raise the issue with Mr Kane when they hold the next of their regular meetings.

The incident happened on Tuesday, January 2.

Anyone with information should contact Essex Police on 101 quoting crime reference number 42/903/18.

Details can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.