Parents have launched a petition for more bobbies on the beat after a 15-year-old was mugged by two teenagers who yelled racial abuse at him.

Matt Hopkinson was angry when he heard about the incident in Loughton – and blames the issue on a lack of police officers in the area.

The victim was walking down the High Road with his girlfriend when the two boys started firing racial abuse at him on August 28.

They allegedly yelled “come on white boy” before the boy and his girlfriend sought refuge in a nearby shop and the police were called.

But the police were unable to do anything and the culprits were let go.

“I was furious when I heard about this,” Mr Hopkinson said. “The police are overworked and understaffed. It makes me angry for them.

“I’m not angry at the police themselves, just that they haven’t got time to deal with incidents affecting our kids.

“I understand they have priorities, but this shouldn’t be a low priority. What if they had knives?”

In late August and early September, police meetings to discuss the worrying trend of theft and violence in Loughton were held.

In one day, three separate teenagers were targeted by a now well-known group of youths, who physically threatened and robbed their targets of bicycles.

More than 200 attended these meetings

Mr Hopkinson, an electrical contractor, says there was a heightened police presence in week after the meetings.

His petition, launched a few days ago, has been signed by 86 people.

The 36-year-old added: “I’ve spoken to police officers and they basically say they’ve got more important things to deal with. They aren’t to blame, they are so stretched.

“It makes me quite on edge. Parents are worried about letting their children out after dark, or walking to school.

“And what happens if something else happens? Would we call the police again to get the same response?”

He added: “Street crime in our area is at its highest it’s ever been.

“Whether it be a mugging, theft, assault, burglary, drugs or intimidation of our children.

“Safe streets equals safe children.”

Independent councillor for Loughton Roding, Stephen Murray, also threw his support to the petition.

He said: “I appreciate the police are doing their best and they are in a difficult position.

“But with my politician’s hat on, I want to see more police officers in the streets.”

The Guardian has requested comment from Essex Police and Crime Commissioner.