A MANAGER was injured when he challenged a gang who were trying to rob the hotel where he works.

The 23 year old was hurt when he tried to stop the six hooded men he found trespassing inside the Laxfield Hotel in Beach Road, Clacton.

The intruders, who all had their faces covered, then fled the hotel empty handed.

It happened at 9.45pm on Monday.

About 15 minutes before, the manager had been to a nearby convenience store and seen a group of men on the corner of Beach Road.

Police are trying to find out whether the group and the would-be robbers are connected.

Officers believe one of the men may have been staying at the hotel, as there was no sign of forced entry.

Anyone with any information should call Det Sgt Terri Hooke at Clacton CID on 0300 333 4444.