A FRIGHTENED driver managed to escape after knife-wielding thugs smashed his car window and demanded money.

The 18-year-old man was sitting inside his vehicle in the car park of the Brook Retail Park, in Clacton, at 2.15am on Saturday.

A group of up to five men approached the car.

One smashed the driver’s side window, threatened the victim with a large knife and demanded money and his mobile phone.

Another man stood in front of the car wielding what appeared to be a gun.

The victim managed to drive off and was uninjured.

Detective Sergeant Daniel Jeffries said: “This was a frightening incident and I am keen to speak to anyone who saw what happened or has any information.

“I am also keen to speak to anyone who was driving in the area at the time and has dash cam footage, as they might have recorded the suspects in the area at the time of the offence."

The suspect with the knife was described as being aged in his mid-20s, of slim build and of mixed heritage.

He was about 5ft 10ins tall, had facial hair and wore a dark blue hooded top.

The second suspect was described as being slightly taller and of a larger build, wearing black clothing.

Anyone with information can contact Detective Constable Richard English at Clacton CID on 101 quoting reference number 42/50394/18.

Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.