Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a teenager was robbed near a shopping centre.

The 19-year-old man was walking with a group of friends in the underpass near the Victoria Plaza shopping centre, in Southend town centre, when he was approached by a group.

An Essex Police spokesman said two of the group threatened the victim before launching an assault.

He said: "He sustained injuries to his mouth and ear.

"A 16 year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and is currently on bail until 14 October."

The robbery took place at around 10.15pm on Wednesday, September 2.

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/139563/20 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.