TWO women were left needing hospital treatment after a town centre assault from a gang on bikes.

Police are appealing for information following the incident which occurred at about 1.40am in Basildon Town Square on the morning of September 24.

Two women in their 20s reported they were assaulted, and their mobiles phones and a purse were taken during the assault.

Both victims suffered injuries to their heads and were taken to hospital for treatment.

Andrew Baggott, leader of Basildon Council, said: “It is very worrying.

“It sends exactly the wrong message and reinforces the message about the town centre not being the place to go which we obviously don’t want.

“We are very keen that people come forward if they have got any information and support the police.

“Our thoughts also go out to the two young ladies who were hurt, which is not what they went out on their evening for.

“We hope the scumbags are caught and the full force of the law is thrown at them.”

The victims told the police they were approached by a group of three men and three women.

One of those women was described as having purple hair and a second woman was said to be wearing orange clothing. 

They also added some of the group were riding bikes.

A police spokesman said: “We are appealing for help following a robbery in Basildon.

“If you saw anything, have information about the incident, or have footage of it which has not yet been passed to us, please contact us as soon as possible.

“Please quote incident 0111 of September 24.

“You can submit a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, between 10am and 9pm.

“Visit essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services.

“Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

“If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 11.”