Threerobbers jumped a man strolling in St Botolph's Priory and held a knife to his eye.
The 23-year-old was taking a short cut through the priory grounds, off Priory Street in Colchester town centre yesterday afternoon (Wednesday), when three men sitting on a bench asked him if he had any change.
He said "no" and walked away but was then jumped on from behind, knocking him to the floor before punching and kicking him.
Then one of them took out a lock-knife and held the blade right below the victim's eye. He was left with a cut there.
They stole £64 cash, a gold five-bar keeper's gold ring and a Nokia mobile phone before the three fled leaving their victim shocked with cuts and bruises.
Det Sgt Roger Napier, of Colchester police said officers were scanning closed circuit television footage and talking to people seen drinking outside, near the ruined priory, and at other known gathering points around Colchester.
Any witnesses should call Colchester police on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111
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