A MAN was beaten up and mugged as he made his way to the bank with a box full of cash.

The street robbery took place outside Natwest, on Canvey High Street, shortly after 12.30pm today.

The victim, a 42 year-old from Dartford, was walking to the bank a box containing a quantity of cash when he saw the suspect run across the road towards him.

The robber punched him and a struggle broke out.

The suspect fled with an unknown sum of money and ran off towards the KFC restaurant and Larup Avenue.

He was described as white, of medium build and between 5ft 8ins and 6ft tall.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “There would have been a number of people in the area at the time and officers are appealing for anyone who saw what happened to get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dc Rory Scarlett at Southend CID on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org