Police have not ruled out a potential link between several incidents which saw people targeted by knife-wielding thugs.

Essex Police will be working with the British Transport Police and increasing patrols in the area around Southend East station after three incidents in the space of ten days.

A spokesman for the force said: “There have been a number of incidents recently where people have been threatened and robbed in the vicinity of Southend East railway station.

“We understand these will cause concern to people living and working in the surrounding area.

“We are working with our colleagues at British Transport Police to tackle the issue and we have additional patrols by officers in the area.

“If you have any information about these incidents please call us on 101.”

The spokesman added that while there was nothing to indicate the incidents are linked they are keeping all lines of enquiry open at this stage. The British Transport Police in Essex also confirmed they would be increasing patrols in and around Southend stations after the spate of incidents in the last week.

A spokesman said: “We’re aware of a number of incidents in and around Southend East station.

“We’re now working very closely with Southend Police to tackle this issue as best we can.

“There will be continued additional uniform and plain clothes patrols in and around the station.”

If you have information you think can help, you can report crime to BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 405040.

In an emergency always dial 999.