A TERRIFIED mother has spoken out after her son was robbed at knifepoint by teenagers who claimed they were looking for rival gang members to kill.

A 16-year-old from Noak Bridge was ordered to hand over his phone in Radford Way, Billericay, threatening to stab him if he did not obey.

His mother said: “My son was walking to the bus stop near the train station when he was approached by the pair.

“They told him that as they had his phone, if he reported the incident they would find him and stab him.

“They asked if he was in a Basildon gang and said they had come to kill people from this gang.

“We don’t know anything about any gangs at all.

“My son’s bus pass was on his phone.”

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Fortunately a couple came along and he was able to find sanctuary with them and call his mother.

She added: “I couldn’t believe it and I just wanted to get back and be with him but I work in London.

“He was worried about reporting it but I said that we had to.

“I just want it safe for our kids to be out and about.

“I really hope police catch these boys because they can’t go about doing this.

“It doesn’t bear to think about what could have happened if my son hadn’t handed over his phone, he could have been killed.”

A similar incident took place in Wickford on Thursday.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We are investigating following an incident in Wickford High Street where a 17 year-old boy was robbed.

“He was approached by two men at around 1.30pm on Thursday, October 17.

“One of the men claimed to have a knife and stole the victim’s mobile phone.”

It is not known if the incidents are being linked but concerns have been raised about armed teen gangs in the area.

The first victim’s mother added: ““I think it will make him feel concerned about going out and I have a 14-year-old daughter is who is very scared.”

If you saw or heard anything or have any information about the incidents please call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.