Detectives investigating a street robbery are asking people to check their gardens for discarded weapons.

Police were called just before 4am on Saturday following reports that a 19-year-old man, from the area, had been threatened with a knife on East Hill, Colchester, and forced to hand over a three-figure sum of cash and a mobile phone.

A short time later, two 15-year-old boys were arrested.

Investigating officer Dc Seff Manesh said: “We are looking for a black kitchen knife and a wooden rounders bat, both of which may have been discarded in back gardens or sheds on the Riverview Estate.”

Both boys were charged with various offences, including robbery.

Anyone who comes across the knife or bat should call Colchester police station on 101.