Two people have been left severely shocked and one injured after being set on by robbers.

Police are appealing for witnesses after the muggings after which one man was taken to Colchester General Hospital for treatment to his injuries.

The two incidents happened in the early hours of Saturday but are not being linked.

In the first robbery, two men approached the victim at the junction of Alexandra Road with Station Road, close to Clacton library, at about 1am.

One of the robbers is believed to have been carrying a knife.

Both robbers, believed to be in their early 20s, threatened the victim before stealing his Samsung mobile phone, a packet of cigarettes and a wallet, containing a small amount of cash.

Insp Mick Ornellas, of Clacton police, said: "The victim is extremely distressed, shocked and frightened. We are asking anybody who was around the area of the library or railway station at that time and saw anything to get in contact with CID officers at Clacton police."

One of the muggers is described as white and the other black and were both about 5ft 7ins tall. The white man wore a dark top and a white baseball cap. The black man had a broad London accent.

The second incident happened at about 4am when a man was set on by three men. They threatened the man before hitting him with large bones for dogs and stealing his watch.

The attack happened in an alley way between St Johns Road and Gilders Way. The victim suffered cuts to his head.

The assailants were described as being in their 20s, wearing hooded tops.

Insp Ornellas said: "At this time we are not linking the two crimes but our inquiries will continue into them both."

Anyone with information should contact 01255 221312.

Published Monday, May 19, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette