Witnesses are being sought after an off-duty police officer suffered a serious back injury while trying to arrest two boys in Clacton.

Police received reports that two people had stolen from Home Bargains, in Stephenson Road, at around 1.30pm on Tuesday, June 26.

An off duty police officer responded to the incident involving two teenagers but fell while trying to detain them.

An Essex police spokeswoman said: β€œHe is in a stable condition in hospital, where he remains receiving care.”

Officers attended the scene and following investigations arrested two boys, aged 13 and 15, at around 4.10pm the same day.

The pair have since been released on police bail until Wednesday, July 18.

Anyone with information or dash cam footage is asked to call Sgt Lisa Norcott at Clacton police station on 101 quoting crime reference 42/90279/18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.