A TEENAGER was beaten and robbed during an unprovoked attack by three thugs on bicycles.

The victim, who is 18, was walking along Herbert Road, in Clacton, at around 8pm on Friday, January 18 when three men rode up to him.

They punched and kicked him and hit him round the head with an object before making off with a carrier bag he was holding.

Two of the men are described as wearing dark clothing with either ski masks or balaclavas on, one of which had a skull design on.

The other man is described as wearing a white hooded top and had a scarf across his face.

All three made off towards Watson Road.

Investigating officer PC Darren Buckingham said: "This was a vicious unprovoked attack on an innocent member of the public.

"We are keen for any information from anybody who may have seen these men cycling either before the incident or when they have cycled off."

Anyone who saw or heard anything, has any CCTV or dash cam footage, or have any other information should call police on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/9850/19.