SYRINGE-WIELDING robbers threatened staff in two shops.

A man entered Boots in Tamarisk Way, Colchester, just before 5pm on Saturday and demanded prescription drugs.

The suspect, who was holding a hypodermic needle, left with a quantity of medication.

The next day, just after 7.10am, a man threatened a staff member with a needle at Martins newsagents at the Fivefields Centre in Greenstead.

He demanded money and tobacco, which was handed over, and he also took e-cigarettes and confectionery.

Nobody was hurt in the incidents but staff were left shaken.

Police carried out a search of the area, and house to house enquiries, which led them to an address in Berberis Walk, Colchester, just before 9am on Sunday.

There they found three men unwell – one of them unconscious – and called paramedics.

A 39-year-old is in hospital in a critical condition while the other men were taken to hospital but have now been taken into custody and are awaiting questioning.

A 31-year-old man from Colchester, was arrested on suspicion of robbery, and a 34-year-old from Colchester, who was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and possession of drugs.

Enquriries are ongoing and witness or anyone with information should call Colchester CID on 101.