Police were called to deal with a group of drunks who were being abusive to pub staff at venues across Braintree.

From around 11.50am on Saturday officers were called to three separate incidents in the town centre, all of which are thought to have involved the same group of people.

Between this time and 3.20pm, a group of up to seven men went on to insult and threaten staff at several popular venues in the town.

There were also reports of homophobic language and aggressive behaviour.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We received calls from three businesses reporting that up to seven men had been abusive towards staff after being refused entry.

"We believe members of this group were involved in an incident where a man was threatened in The Lounge at around 1.20pm and at a disturbance in The Eagle at 1.50pm."

Enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call Braintree police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.