Two men were robbed and beaten in a sustained attack at Frinton beach.
The 24-year-old victims were approached as they sat on the seafront at the bottom of Connaught Avenue.
Det Con Mark Youngs, of Clacton CID, said the pair were robbed of £60, cigarettes and a watch and then beaten up for about half-an-hour.
They suffered superficial injuries, including black eyes and cuts.
Det Con Youngs said the attack was completely unprovoked and left the two men "shocked and distressed".
Frinton and Walton deputy mayor Nick Turner, who runs the nearby Maplin Hotel on the Esplanade and is a member of the Essex Police Consultative Community Group, appealed for anyone who might be able to help to come forward.
Det Con Youngs appealed for anyone with information to contact police. Officers would also like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of the robbery at about 4am on Monday.
Information to Clacton CID on 01255 221312 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111
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