A 17-year-old boy was sprayed in the face with an unknown substance and robbed of £10 and credit cards.
After being temporarily blinded, the victim was told to empty his pockets and walk away.
Witnesses to the attack, in Chase Road, Southend at 10.15pm on Monday, can contact PC Philip Collie on 01702 431512.
Mother assaulted
A woman snatched a mini-scooter from a child before assaulting the victim's mother.
The mother was punched in the face and scratched on her neck in the attack, which happened in Alexandra Street, Southend, at 5pm on April 11.
The thief was Afro-Carribean with black hair in a ponytail and loose strands gelled onto her face. She was about 22 and wore a white fleece jumper.
Any information to PC Michael Burrell on 01702 431212.
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