CCTV images have been released following an armed robbery in Colchester.

Two men escaped with a three-figure sum of cash after threatening staff at the Coral betting shop in The Willows at about 8.35pm on Thursday January 2.

One man was armed with a knife and the other was carrying what appeared to be a handgun wrapped in a plastic bag.

Armed police were called to the scene and a widespread search of the area was carried out but there was no sign of the men.

The thieves were both in their late teens or early 20s and of average height and build. Both were wearing scarves over their faces. One was wearing a light-coloured zip-up hooded top and dark trousers and the other was in a dark hooded top and dark trousers. One of them was carrying an orange plastic bag.

Essex Police have appealed for witnesses or people who may have useful information to come forward.

Det Sgt Dan Jeffries said: “We want to hear from anyone who might have seen the two men hanging around before the robbery or running off a few minutes later.

“Although the men were wearing scarves in the betting shop we hope that they can be traced from the descriptions and CCTV image.”

Contact DS Jeffries or his colleagues at Colchester CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.