TEENAGERS who robbed a boy at knifepoint on Canvey have been ordered to pay nearly £1,000 in a "clear message" to crooks. 

Essex Police was called following reports of a 17-year-old who had been robbed in Denham Road on July 10 this year.

The teenager stated they had been threatened with a knife and had handed over their bag and phone.

Officers later arrested a 16-year-old and a 15-year-old on suspicion of robbery. They were both charged with robbery on July 12.

At court this week they were ordered to pay a total of nearly £1,000 in compensation to the victim and court costs.

The 16-year-old, now 17, was given a 12-month referral order for a Young Offenders Prison.

The 15-year-old was also given a Youth Rehabilitation Order.

Detective Constable Chris Horton, who led this investigation, said: “We want to send a clear message that you will face consequences if you offend in our county.

“A knifepoint robbery is a terrifying experience, and we are grateful to our victim for having the courage to come forward and tell the police about what they went through.”