Detectives have made two more arrests as part of their on-going efforts to tackle robberies in the Clacton area, it was revealed this afternoon.

The two men were arrested following an attempted robbery in the car park of Clacton Leisure Centre.

Officers were sent to the leisure centre, in Vista Road, at about 9.35pm yesterday following a report that a woman had been robbed at knife-point.

She had suffered a minor injury to her face as the robbers tried to steal her bag.

A thorough search of the area was carried out with the support of the police helicopter and the dog unit.

A 23-year-old man and a 25-year-old man, both from Clacton, were arrested nearby an hour later. They remain in police custody.

The woman was taken to hospital for treatment to her injuries.

It brings the total number of arrests for robberies in the Clacton area to seven as detectives focus on bringing those responsible to justice.

They are also appealing to members of the public for any information which could help solve two further robberies in the Clacton area.

The first happened in St John’s Road at about 3.20pm on Wednesday, July 17 when a schoolgirl was threatened with a knife.

The victim, who is from Clacton, received a tap on her shoulder and turned round to see the suspect holding the weapon.

After he made threats she handed over a blue handbag and mobile phone.

The man was white, aged 16 to 20, and about 5ft 7ins tall. He was wearing a grey T-shirt with black writing in a circle on the front, dark blue baggy denim jeans, a small brown ‘Nike’ bag and a green and purple hat.

The second robbery happened in Dorking Crescent at just after 11.15pm on Thursday, July 18.

The 33-year-old victim, who is from Clacton, had been cycling along the road when she was stopped by two men.

One of the men had a knife in his hand and demanded that she give him her bag.

She handed over her small yellow and green bag which contained her mobile phone.

One of the men is described as black, 6ft tall, aged 19 to 20, and of slim build. He was wearing a black cap and black jacket. The other was a white man, aged 17 to 18, and 5ft 4ins tall. He had a small brown dog with him.

Police are exploring the possibility that these crimes are linked to other recent knife-point robberies in the Clacton area.

Detective Sgt Daniel Jeffries said: “Clacton CID are pursuing numerous lines of enquiry to identify and bring these offenders to justice.

“We have made several arrests in connection with this investigation already and those offenders remain on police bail. However the investigation continues and I urge anyone with information to contact us.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact officers at Clacton CID on 101.