Robbers take mum's bag near Old Heath Recreation Ground

The mother of two children aged four and one, who does not wish to be named, was walking along Port Lane near Old Heath Recreation Ground in Colchester when she was attacked.

She said she was approached by a dishevelled man who asked her for directions to Hythe train station.

She ignored him to begin with but after his persistent requests, she stopped.

But when she stopped to speak to him, a second man came up behind her and hit her in the back, forcing her to the ground.

She said: “The man looked really rough and a bit shaky. He kept saying ‘love’ and ‘darling’ and wouldn’t leave us alone.

“He kept asking me where the station was. Just as I began to tell him I was hit on my back.

“I was hit so hard I fell onto the pavement and landed on my bag and my arm.”

She could feel the two men trying to free her arm so they could take the bag.

She said: “I didn’t realise what on earth was going on, I didn’t see anything behind me.

“I told them to just take the bag and leave my children alone.

“I have got bruises on my arm and leg and my trousers were ripped.

“I just remember holding on to my one-year-old’s feet, both children were screaming and crying.”

The two men managed to grab the bag and ran off down the road.

The mum added: “After a little while I got up and saw two men running off.

“I guess the guy who was asking for directions was trying to distract me.

“I called the police. My children have been left distraught.”

The man who asked for directions is described as being skinny, about 5ft 8, with brown-grey hair and stubble.

He wore jeans and looked in his 30s.

The second man was taller and of a bigger build, he had a back pack.

It is believed a few people, including a couple of teenage boys, may have been around at the time of the incident which was at about 2.50pm on Thursday.

It is hoped they may have witnessed suspicious behaviour before or after the attack.

Anyone with information should contact Essex Police on 101.