Armed raiders strike at store

THREE frightened shop workers are recovering after being threatened by masked raiders brandishing shotguns.

Police in Colchester are appealing for information following the armed robbery at the One Stop store in Plume Avenue, Shrub End, on Friday night.

Two men entered the convenience store just before closing at 10pm and threatened the three members of staff - two men and one woman - with shotguns. They also told three customers, all women, to lie on the floor.

The robbers then demanded the keys to the safe but the staff did not have them so instead they stole the contents of the till, totalling several hundred pounds, and ran out of the shop.

The men are described as white, one about 6ft tall, well built, possibly aged in his 30s to 40s. He was wearing dark clothing, gloves and a balaclava that looked like a beanie hat pulled down over his face with cuts for eyeholes.

His accomplice was shorter, a little younger and of slimmer build. He also had a balaclava. Both men are described as smelling strongly of petrol. It is not known which direction they left after leaving the shop or whether they had a vehicle.

Police are appealing for witnesses who were in the area. Det-Con Mark Merry, from Colchester CID, said: “This was a terrifying experience and deeply upsetting for all concerned, both the staff and the customers.

“I would appeal to anyone who saw the robbers before or after the robbery to get in touch. I would also ask people to think back as the two men smelled of petrol it is possible that their car may have broken down and they may have sought assistance at a garage or petrol station.”

A spokesman for the shop said the members of staff were shaken by their ordeal but had escaped unhurt.

Anyone who can identify the two men should contact Colchester CID on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.