Police in Clacton have named a man they want to trace in connection with a knifepoint robbery of a 12-year-old girl.

Following a recent crime spree in the town, in which young people have been targeted for their mobile phones, officers want to trace Luke Rox.

The 20-year-old is wanted in connection with a robbery in Clacton on Wednesday july 17 in which the girl was threatened and had her handbag and mobile phone stolen.

Mr Rox has links to the Clacton area as well as London and Hertfordshire. He is described as white, 5ft 10in tall and of slim build with hazel eyes. He speaks with a London accent and sometimes has facial hair.

In response to the recent knife robberies, police launched Operation Statesman on Monday, which sees the town centre’s neighbourhood policing team working with dog handlers, taser-equipped officers and undercover squads.

Three people have so far been arrested in connection with the recent robberies.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mr Rox is asked to call Essex Police on 101. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.