DETECTIVES are appealing for information after six youths were threatened during a robbery in Colchester.

Some of the victims were forced to hand over cash, phones and an iPod when they were approached by a man holding what appeared to be a handgun.

The incident happened at about 5pm on Tuesday, November 13 when the six friends were sitting on a fallen tree and chatting in a wooded area off Hillyfields.

They were approached by a man who held a weapon in both hands and ordered the six to hand over their money. Two of the group handed over small sums of cash but one victim was robbed of a mobile phone and a iPod, another youth handed over a mobile phone.

The thief was said to be about 6ft tall and aged between 17-35. He was wearing a hooded top pulled over his face, baggy trousers or jogging bottoms and dark coloured trainers.

He is thought to have walked away towards a residential area but officers want to hear from anyone who saw a silver-coloured car which was later seen driving away at speed.

Investigating officer DS Kevin Hughes said: “We do not know for sure what sort of weapon was used.

“It might have been a real handgun, an imitation BB gun or something held in a way to suggest it was a gun. The victims were unharmed although they were badly shaken.”

Any witnesses who have not yet contacted police or anyone with information about the man should contact DS Hughes or colleagues at Colchester Serious Crime Team on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.