POLICE have been working alongside pubs and clubs to use metal detectors to search for knives in the wake of a surge of violent incidents in Clacton town centre.

Officers from Tendring Community Policing Team were in the town on Saturday night in a bid to reassure those enjoying a night out.

Publicans welcomed the move, which came after a 34-year-old man needed surgery after he was struck in the face with a belt in a toilet at Bentley’s Bar, in Marine Parade East, Clacton, on February 10.

He suffered a serious cut to his face which will leave him scarred for life.

Three men were also treated for injuries following several alleged stabbings in Pier Avenue in the early hours of February 2.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Officers worked alongside staff from the bars and clubs in Clacton town centre.

“This saw officers and door staff using metal detector wands to both reassure customers and prevent and identify those who feel the need to carry a weapon on them.

“We are pleased to say that no weapons were found and there was a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in the town.

“Staff at the locations work hard each weekend to ensure the safety of those attending.”

Last week, police met with licensees from across the town to set up a new Pub Watch scheme to thwart crime and anti-social behaviour in licensed premises.

The group will clampdown on verbal abuse, violence, theft, drug taking or selling and vandalism in licensed premises.

Anyone banned from one of the venues could be banned from all of the others.

Ray Dowsett, manager of Tom Peppers and the Loft, in Pier Avenue, said: “We’re fully behind this scheme and our door staff were happy to work with the police on this initiative.

“Our door staff work exceptionally hard to keep everyone safe so they can enjoy a night out and I think this has helped to reassure people.

“Having a police presence about in the town centre in the evenings at the weekend is what everyone wants and we hope that continues.”

A 23-year-old man, from Clacton, was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and was released on bail until next month following the incident in Bentley’s Bar.

Two men and a teenager were arrested following the incident in Pier Avenue on February 2.

Anyone with information relating to people carrying weapons is asked to call police on 101 or alternatively can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.