A man's Rolex was stolen in a knife-point, day-light robbery.
At around 5.20pm on Saturday (September 8) the victim was walking along Church Hill in Loughton when he was approached by three men at the junction with St Johns Road.
As one of the men held a knife against his hip, they demanded his watch.
A Rolex watch, worth a four figure sum, was stolen and the men left the scene in a blue Ford Fiesta, driving along Rectory Lane.
Nothing else was taken and the victim was not physically harmed.
It is being treated as an isolated incident.
Detective Sergeant Nick Rawlins of Loughton CID, said: “This was a distressing incident and as you would expect, we are working hard on the investigation.
“At the time of the robbery, which was 5.20pm, the victim was walking from Loughton, towards Debden, in a residential area.
“If someone saw or heard something which they think could be related to the robbery, do not delay in contacting us.
“We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who saw the blue Ford Fiesta.”
The man who held the knife to the victim was described as being in his late teens or early 20s, and of Middle Eastern or Asian appearance.
He was wearing a dark hooded top or jacket.
Enquiries continue.
Call Loughton CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, if you have information which could help their enquiries.
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