A SPATE of early morning robberies around Colchester are being investigated by detectives.

Essex Police are investigating a series of robberies in the Hythe and New Town areas of town this morning.

Police were initially called to reports a woman in her 20s had been robbed of her handbag, money and cards on Haven Road at about 5am.

Then a man in his 20s was threatened on Kendall Road just before 5.45am.

A third victim was approached from behind and pushed to the ground on Winnock Road at 6am before the suspect made off towards James Street.

Shortly before 6.30am a man in his 20s was threatened near to the Tesco at Greenstead.

His cards, cash and phone were taken and the suspect left on Hythe Hill in the direction of town.

The last victim, a woman in her 30s, was held at knifepoint near to Victor Road at 6.50am, but nothing was taken.

It is believed the suspect continued his journey on Barrack Street towards the town.

A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery just after 7am and has since been released under investigation.

Detective Sergeant Stuart Knight of Colchester CID said: “This is a highly opportunistic series of robberies and attempted robberies.

“The victims are all, understandably, shaken by their experiences and I applaud them for their bravery and quick-thinking in these threatening situations."

Mr Knight is now appealing for help in piecing together the movements of two men police believe to be involved in the spate.

He said one man is believed to be white, about 5ft9, in his early 20s with blonde hair and of slim build, The man wore a black cap, black tracksuit with white stripes down the trousers and a hooded jacket with a puffed coat and a black scarf with white stripes around his face.

Mr Knight added: “I would also like to speak to a man who some victims describe as being in the vicinity of these crimes when they were being committed.

"He is described as being white, aged between 25 and 35, and around 6ft tall.

"He wore a cream hooded jumper.

The stage of his involvement is not clear yet, but police would be keen to speak to him about what he saw.

“I would like to reassure the local community that my detectives are working diligently to try and identify anyone we believe may be involved and get them off of the streets and into our custody," added Mr Knight.

If you have further information, CCTV or dash cam footage call Colchester CID on 101 quoting crime reference number 42/17671/19.