A man was attacked and robbed as he was walking to his Colchester home in the early hours of this morning.

The incident occured around 3am, when the 21-year-old man was using Whaley Road as a short cut between St Andrew’s Avenue and Greenstead Road.

He was accosted by four men who punched him several times before stealing his mobile telephone and just under £20 cash.

Investigating officer, Dc Mark Peacock, said: “This was a wholly unprovoked attack on a young man who was simply on his way back home after what had been an enjoyable night out. We’re hoping that someone may have seen this robbery or heard a commotion in the housing estate.”

The four men are described as white, and are aged in their late 20s. One of them was riding a mountain bike and at least two of them spoke with eastern European accents.

The victim was treated by paramedics for cuts and bruises to his face and arms.

Police are urging anyone with information about the robbery to contact detectives at Colchester police station on 101.