VIOLENT robbers accosted two women tourists in a peaceful Constable Country village that was awash with holidaymakers, police said.

Roddy Ashworth

VIOLENT robbers accosted two women tourists in a peaceful Constable Country village that was awash with holidaymakers, police said.

The robbery and attempted robbery happened in broad daylight outside the church in Dedham over the Bank Holiday weekend.

The peaceful village was thronging with people when the two muggers struck in the High Street at about 4.15pm on Sunday.

They snatched a handbag from one woman in her 50s and attempted to grab another bag belonging to a woman in her 60s.

Neither woman was injured but both were described as “severely shaken”.

The two robbers sped off in a red Vauxhall Astra Combi van.

Detective Constable Dave Glasgow, of Colchester CID, said: “Dedham was full of visitors on Sunday afternoon and there must have been many people who witnessed this crime and saw the men making their getaway.

“Some have come forward but I would like to hear from anyone else who saw what happened.”

Yesterday, Christopher Garnett, who represents the area on Colchester Borough Council, said he “deeply regretted” the fact that the robbery had taken place in the village, which plays host to more than 100,000 visitors each year.

“I have never heard of anything like this happening in Dedham before.

“We have had a motor cars being broken into, thefts from garden sheds, and even a ram raid on a shop. But never anything like this.

“It is perfectly safe to visit, and I am sure that the people who live on the street - as well as the local businesses - will be very keen to see the culprits brought to book.

“Obviously we are very sorry this should happen to the two ladies who experienced the incidents.”

Anyone with information should contact detectives at Colchester on 0300 333 4444, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

- A 26-year-old man was arrested later the same evening by police in Suffolk. He was released on police bail in connection with this offence, but kept in custody for other matters. The second man is still being sought.