🔪 Targeted Robbery in Braintree Leaves Man Stabbed
Police have confirmed that a man found stabbed in Black Notley earlier this week was specifically targeted in an attempted robbery connected to the sale of a high-value watch.
The incident sparked a heavy police presence across Challis Lane, Braintree, and John Ray Gardens, Black Notley, as officers cordoned off multiple scenes and launched an urgent investigation.
🚨 What Happened
The victim, a man in his 20s, had reportedly travelled from outside the county to meet two men in Notley Road, near the bridge over the A120, to sell his watch.
According to police, the meeting turned violent when one of the men grabbed his arm and tried to steal the watch, stabbing him during the struggle before fleeing the scene.
The injured man managed to escape in his car, briefly stopping in Challis Lane before continuing to John Ray Gardens, where nearby residents discovered him injured and called emergency services shortly after 5pm on Monday (November 3).
Paramedics from the East of England Ambulance Service, including two ambulances, an officer vehicle, and a response car from the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, treated him at the scene before transporting him to hospital. His injury was described as a stab wound to the arm, but thankfully it was not life-threatening.
👮 Police Statement
Essex Police have confirmed that the incident was a targeted attack rather than a random assault and have not confirmed if the perpetrators are from the Braintree area.
“We are investigating an attempted robbery in Braintree on Monday afternoon,” a spokesperson said. “It was reported a man in his 20s had been approached by two men in Notley Road, near the bridge over the A120, one of whom grabbed his arm and tried to steal his watch. During the incident, the victim was assaulted and sustained an injury to his arm.”
Officers say there is no wider threat to the public, describing the event as “a planned meeting that turned violent.”
Police remained at the scene well into the evening, with two patrol cars and a forensic vehicle stationed in Challis Lane as part of the ongoing investigation.
🧾 What Police Are Asking For
Investigators are now appealing for witnesses and any video evidence that could help identify the suspects.
Anyone with CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage from the area around Notley Road, Challis Lane, or John Ray Gardens between 4:30pm and 5:30pm is urged to come forward.
Reports can be made via the Essex Police website or through Live Chat, quoting incident 42/160443/25. Anonymous information can be submitted through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
💬 Final Thoughts
This latest incident has reignited local concerns about safety in and around Braintree, with residents questioning how targeted violence can unfold in quiet communities like Black Notley.
🗣️ What do you think?Do you feel Braintree is still a safe place to live — or do attacks like this prove things are getting worse?👇 Share your thoughts below — we’ll include some of your comments in next week’s community roundup.
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