POLICE are linking a stabbing in Brightlingsea with an attack on a burglary victim in Jaywick.

Officers were called to Victoria Place, Brightlingsea, shortly after 11.20pm on Wednesday following reports that a man had suffered puncture wounds to his neck.

Officers and ambulance paramedics went to the location and a 27-year-old man from the town was taken to hospital for treatment.

Shortly before midnight, a 72-year-old man from Jaywick was hit in the face with a sledgehammer and then punched at his home by three men who forced their way in.

An 18-year-old man from Clacton was arrested in Clacton yesterday while a 25-year-old man from Hammersmith, west London, was arrested in Copdock, Suffolk, today.

Men arrested on suspicion of attempted murder

Both were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with an assault in Victoria Place, Brightlingsea and an aggravated burglary in Meadow Way, Jaywick.

The victim of the Brightlingsea incident was treated for his neck injuries and released from hospital while the victim of the Jaywick incident is now in a stable condition having suffered head injuries.

The 18-year-old has been released on police bail pending further enquiries until January 10, 2015.

Police are continuing to question the other man.

Police are continuing to look for two other men in connection with the incidents.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.