Five men armed with a knife and gun carried out a “frightening” robbery on a teenager in a parked car in a north Essex retail park.

The 18-year-old victim was sitting in his vehicle in the car park of the Brook Retail Park in London Road, Clacton at 2.15am on Saturday.

A group of up to five men approached the car, with one man smashing the driver’s side window and threatening the victim with a large knife before demanding money and his mobile phone. Another of the men stood in front of the car holding what happened to be a gun.

The victim managed to drive off uninjured.

Det Sgt Daniel Jeffries said: “This was a frightening incident and I am keen to speak to anyone who saw what happened or has any information.

“I am also keen to speak to anyone who was driving in the area at the time and has dash cam footage, as they might have recorded the suspects in the area at the time of the offence.”

The suspect with the knife was described as in his mid-20s, of slim build and of mixed heritage. He was about 5ft 10ins tall, had facial hair and wore a dark blue hooded top. The second suspect was described as being slightly taller and of a larger build. He wore black clothing.

Anyone with information should contact Dc Richard English at Clacton CID on 101 quoting reference 42/50394/18.

Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.