Police in Essex want to trace a van driver who stepped in to break up an assault.

A 25-year-old man from Harwich was walking along Stour Road at about 10.50pm when he was approached by a group of five or six young men who pushed him to the ground and kicked him. One man threatened him with a knife and they went through his pockets, stealing his wallet.

The driver of a dark coloured transit-style van stopped and confronted the robbers who then ran off towards the town centre.

They were described as white, aged 18 to 25, one wearing a white hoody, the others with their faces covered by scarves.

Ds Tim Coyles said: “Police immediately search the area for the suspects but now we need to speak to the van driver who will hold vital witness information.”

He or anyone else who can help is asked to contact Dc Derek Lee at Clacton CID on 101 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.