CLUBBERS have expressed concern after an alleged string of bag thefts from a city centre bar.

Partygoers took to social media to warn others after falling victim to a purported serial handbag thief in Colchester on Friday evening.

Several people reported their handbags had been stolen from After Office Hours, in High Street.

The bar confirmed it is aware of the alleged incidents and has since identified the suspected bag snatcher on CCTV.

A spokesman for the venue has since confirmed the footage will be handed to the police if it is required.

Gazette: Incident - several handbags were reportedly stolen from After Office Hours, in High Street, ColchesterIncident - several handbags were reportedly stolen from After Office Hours, in High Street, Colchester (Image: Google Maps)

Describing their experiences, two people shared shockingly similar stories online.

Both claimed their bags had been stolen from the venue before being dumped in the garden of a nearby home.

Mobile phones and purses packed with bank cards and identification, including a passport, were missing from the bags after they were later found.

The bags were reunited with their owners after the owner of the property they were found at came forward on social media, but the location of the other missing items remains a mystery.

City centre councillor Mark Goacher urged residents to not be worried about enjoying a night out in Colchester.

Mr Goacher, who represents residents in Castle ward, said: “It sounds like one person is targeting a specific area and it’s important not to generalise.

Gazette: Reassurance - Castle ward councillor Mark GoacherReassurance - Castle ward councillor Mark Goacher

“Just because this one incident has happened in one location, it doesn’t mean it’s rife across the city.

“It sounds like this person could be caught soon and hopefully they will. I don’t think people should be generally fearful as you get cases like this in every city.”

It’s the second business to have been targeted over the weekend, as an expensive pair of trainers was reportedly snatched from an independent shoe restoration shop a stone’s throw away from After Office Hours on Sunday afternoon.

The pair of shoes, which are valued at £150, disappeared from outside DGSL, in Red Lion Walk, after being hung outside the shop as part of a marketing display.

Owner Gareth Tansey hopes to be reunited with the pricey footwear after capturing the alleged offenders on CCTV.

Anyone with information should contact Essex Police on 101.