An 11-year-old boy was left shocked and shaken after he was grabbed in a Southend underpass while walking to school.

The child was with his 15-year-old sister when he was grabbed in the Queensway underpass at 10.20am yesterday.

His attacker seized the boy by his wrists and screamed "Give me your money" - and he repeated the phrase several times.

However, the child managed to break free and he and his sister ran down Sutton Road while their would-be robber ran off in the opposite direction, towards Southchurch Road.

The man, who neither of the youngsters knew, is described as being very tall and was wearing a green or grey parker jacket and a cap.

Anyone with information about the attempted robbery should contact DC Andy Glister at Southend CID on 01702 431212.

Published Thursday March 4, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Echo

Brought to you by the Evening Echo