A man was attacked by a gang of thugs near some public toilets when he refused to hand over his phone.
Essex Police is appealing to trace three men following the attempted robbery in Clacton last month.
The police said a man in his 30s had been walking along Old Road when he was approached by three men near to the Magdalen Green toilets.
It happened between 1am and 1.45am on Monday April 17.
The men demanded he hand his phone over and when he refused they assaulted him, causing him to fall to the floor.
A spokesman for the police said: "The victim was left with injuries to his face and stomach. The men have been described as white, in their mid-20s, and wearing dark clothing, with one wearing a black baseball cap.
"If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us. Please quote the crime reference number 42/69499/23.
"If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity @Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111."
