DETECTIVES are appealing for witnesses after a 17-year-old boy and a homeless man were attacked by robbers in Clacton on the same night.

Two thugs attacked the boy while he was walking in Elm Grove shortly after midnight on Saturday.

One of the men punched him, following which his mobile telephone and a small amount of cash was stolen.

Det Con Lee Winfield, of Clacton Police, said: "The attack was not captured on camera, but CCTV does show several people walking along St John’s Road at the time.

“They would have seen these two young men run off from the scene of the crime. They are key witnesses and so would like them to contact us.”

The first suspect is described as black and was wearing blue jeans, a black leather jacket and white trainers.

The other attacker is described as white and was wearing dark-blue jeans, a grey hooded top and a red-and-orange woolly hat.

Both are believed to be aged in their late teens.

A 48-year-old homeless man was robbed on the promenade near the blue beach huts, off Marine Parade West, at 1.30am that night.

He was approached by three men who kicked him in the chest and legs before stealing his suitcase.

Det Con Winfield added: "This really is a callous crime. This homeless man was sleeping when he was set upon by these three thugs.

“They should be ashamed of themselves. We’re sure they have no need for the contents of his suitcase.”

The attackers are all described as white.

Both the 17-year-old man and the homeless man did not require medical treatment following the attacks.

Witnesses are asked to call detectives at Clacton police station on 101.