A SLEEPY fisherman had all his gear stolen after he dozed off at the side of a lake.

The 16-year-old from Corringham was night fishing in Basildon's Gloucester Park when he fell asleep.

While he was dozing thieves crept up and stole £350 worth of fishing gear. The haul included Shimano fishing rods, Micron fishing alarms and two Shimano reels.

Anyone with information about the incident, which happened at 2.30am on Sunday is asked to call police on 0300 333 4444.