A CYCLIST was struck with a bat after a car forced him to the side of the road.

Essex Police are appealing for information following two separate attacks in Old Road, Clacton.

Both assaults took place between 4am and 5am on Sunday, September 30.

In the first incident, a man was assaulted after cycling away from the Shell garage at the junction with Olivers Road.

Two vehicles pulled up alongside him and two people got out.

They approached the cyclist, demanded money and attacked him, before making off.

In the second incident a man was cycling along Old Road, from the Esso garage towards Great Clacton.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "A car pulled up alongside him, forcing him into the side of the road where he was hit with what is believed to have been a bat.

"If you have any information about either incident please call us on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/141732/18 or 42/141848/18.

"Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."