TWO men and a teenager have been arrested following several alleged stabbings in Clacton town centre.

Police were called by doorstaff at The Loft nightclub, in Clacton, in the early hours of this morning, following an incident near the club.

It is understood the incident unfolded outside the establishment, in Pier Avenue, but did not have anything to do with the club.

Officers arrived at about 1.30am and the trio, aged 22, 18 and 16 were found in Alton Road.

They were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and remain in custody.

Three men were treated for injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We believe that this was a targeted incident.

"Anyone with information, or who may have been at The Loft and has not yet spoken to us, is asked to call Clacton CID on 101 quoting the incident number 83 of 02/02.

"You can also call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111."

A spokesman for the club said: "The incident had nothing to do with the club, it just happened outside our premises.

"They had not been in the club.

"It was our doorstaff who called the police."