A MAN and two teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of stabbing a man and carrying out a series of armed street robberies which started in Basildon.

The trio aged 24, 18 and 16, who are all from Colchester, were quizzed by detectives at the town’s police station following four muggings within just seven hours.

Police are linking all four incidents as a gang-of-three was involved in each and a Ford Focus was repeatedly used as the getaway car. A robbery in Magdalen Street, Colchester, ended with a 21-year-old man being stabbed outside the YMCA.

The victim was punched and kicked to the ground before being knifed in the back and arm at about 5.30am on Sunday.

He was taken to Colchester General Hospital. Police have said his injuries are not life threatening.

The robbery spree started in Cranes Farm Road, Basildon, at 10pm on Saturday.

Two 14-year-old boys were stopped by three men armed with knives.

The attackers stole their mobile phones and £10.

Four hours later, an 18-year-old was robbed of his mobile phone in East Hill, Colchester, while a knife was held to his throat.

Then a 36-year-old man was threatened in Lexden Road, Colchester, again by a three-strong gang, armed with blades.

One held a knife to the victim’s throat before forcing him to give up his mobile phone. Forty minutes later a 22-year-old man was robbed of loose change and mobile phone in Watson Road, Clacton.

Bill Stock, an Essex police spokesman, said: “The same car was used, the same number of people were involved, with the same weapons.

“We also want to see if there were any other incidents that might not have been reported yet.”

Anyone with information should call 0300 3334444.