DETECTIVES have issued a fresh appeal for information after a man tried to rob three people. 

Each incident took place in Colchester town centre. 

In the first, the man threatened a 34-year-old woman from the town and demanded money from her, while in Culver Square shopping centre.

When she refused, the man showed her a knife which he had concealed in the waistband of his jeans.

The woman again refused and walked off. 

Minutes later, the man threatened a 52-year-old woman, in Eld Lane. She also refused to hand over anything. 

The bungling robber then went on to try thhe same tactic with a 43-year-old man, also from Colchester, but the suspect again made off with nothing.

Investigating officer, Det Con Tim Harris, said: "Although this man was unsuccessful in all three of these attempts, his behaviour left all of his victims shaken and I want to arrest him before he tries again or escalates his behaviour. 

"No-one in Colchester should have to put up with this sort of behaviour and I need people to tell me if they saw this man in the town that day, witnessed any of these incidents or have any other information which could help me to identify him.

"It is also possible there may be other victims out there, including an elderly couple, who have not yet spoken to us and I would ask them to come forward so we can catch this man."

Each of the incidents took place at about 11am on Thursday, February 5. 

The suspect is described as a white, with a hooked nose.

He was wearing a black baseball cap, black jacket, dark blue jeans and Nike Air Max trainers. 

Anyone with any information should contact DC Harris at Colchester CID on 101.

Information can also be passed through Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.