Three teens are arrested in connection with robberies in Grays and South Ockendon

Officers are investigating two incidents on May 6 in which a 16-year-old boy was threatened with a knife and robbed of his mobile phone in Arcany Road, South Ockendon, and a 32-year-old man was assaulted in Arterial Road, Grays, and attempts were made to steal his bag.

They are being linked to another incident in which a 17-year-old boy was assaulted, threatened with a knife and robbed of his mobile phone in Garron Lane, South Ockendon, on May 8.

Officers attempted to stop a Ford Fusion in Easington Way, South Ockendon, shortly after 11.20pm on May 9 but it failed to stop.

The car – which had been reported stolen stopped in Hubert Road, Rainham, where four people got out and ran off.

Three people have been arrested.

A 17-year-old boy from Hornchurch was arrested on suspicion of robbery, attempted theft of a vehicle, theft from a vehicle, failing to stop, and dangerous driving.

Two 17-year-old boys from Rainham and Upminster were arrested on suspicion of robbery, theft from a vehicle, failing to stop, and dangerous driving.

All three have been released on bail until June 2 while enquiries continue.