A MAN has been charged in connection with a series of knifepoint robberies at newsagents in Basildon.

The incidents took place between 30 November last year and 2 April this year.

Russell Toye, 38, of no fixed address, was arrested last week has now been charged with seven counts of robbery, six counts of possession of an offensive weapon, one count of burglary relating to an incident at JD Sports, and one count of criminal damage.

He appeared at Basildon Magistrates' Court on 22 April and is next due to appear at Basildon Crown Court on 20 May.