POLICE bosses have moved to calm the public after appearing to rule out a link between an apparent firearm sighting at the scene of two robberies.

Detectives now do not believe the most recent incident on the Salary Brook Trail, in Colchester, at about 4.35pm on Saturday, is linked to the previous robberies.

But they are continuing to investigate reports of a man who appeared to have a gun whilst walking on the trail.

Officers are also continuing to appeal for information on an incident on Friday, February 17, where a 19-year-old woman was robbed by an armed man between 3.15am and 3.30am who asked her what was in her backpack.

They also want to hear from anyone with information on a robbery which took place at 4.15am on Saturday, February 18 when a woman aged in her 20s was also threatened by an armed man.

The suspect in both incidents is described as white and between 5ft 10ins and 6ft tall.

Colchester District Commander Chief Insp Elliott Judge said: “I would like to reassure the community our detectives are working hard to identify those responsible for these incidents.

“We are pursuing a number of investigative leads but we would still like to hear from any members of the public who witnessed any of the incidents or saw anything suspicious.

“We would continue to urge people using the Salary Brook Trail to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to us.”

Anyone who witnessed the incidents or has information on them should contact Colchester CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.