A masked man brandishing a handgun has threatened staff at a betting shop and stolen a three-figure sum of cash.
The armed robbery happened at the Ladbroke’s branch in Bourne Road, Colchester, shortly before 8pm yesterday.
Officers are investigating whether this incident is linked to recent other armed robberies on betting shops in the north of the county.
The robber - who had a silver-barrelled handgun - was aged in his 20s, 5ft 7ins to 5ft 10ins tall, of a slim build and with a dark complexion.
He was wearing a white or light grey hooded top, with dark jogging bottoms and white trainers.
During the robbery he covered his face with a red and black scarf.
Detectives want to hear from any witnesses who saw the man enter or leave the betting shop.
They also want to hear from anyone who was in the area of Bourne Road /Military Road and Wimpole Road between 7.30pm and 8.30pm, who may have seen the man hanging around before the incident or running away.
Anyone with information should call officers at Colchester CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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