An armed robbery in Clacton which involved a firearm has led a Tendring district councillor to reassure town residents.

East Anglian Daily Times: Cllr McWilliams is seen here on a patrol with officers in Clacton during the summer Picture: WILL LODGECllr McWilliams is seen here on a patrol with officers in Clacton during the summer Picture: WILL LODGE (Image: TDC)

The terrifying incident saw the victim held up at gun point by a group of men before his car was taken in what Essex police are calling a “targeted attack” with officials from the district council calling it a “rare occurrence.”

Lynda McWilliams, chairwoman of the Tendring Community Safety Partnership and Cabinet Member for Community Safety at Tendring District Council, was keen to reassure the people of the seaside town and stated that Clacton was a safe place.

She said: “Tendring District Council works very closely with Essex Police and other organisations through the Community Safety Partnership to make our area as safe as it can be – no town or district is immune from crime.”

“Thankfully incidents such as this are rare occurrences in Clacton and Tendring in general.

East Anglian Daily Times: Three lambs were attacked leaving one dead in a suspected dog attack Picture: PA WIREThree lambs were attacked leaving one dead in a suspected dog attack Picture: PA WIRE (Image: PA Wire/Press Association Images)

“I would stress that police are saying this is a targeted attack, and therefore the wider community should not be worried.

“We will support police in their investigation if required, and continue to work with the Community Safety Partnership to make the area a pleasant place to live, work and visit.”

Police were called to an address near Nayland Drive just before 11.35pm last night, September 10.

The victim was getting out of his car when he was approached by a number of men, who had exited a silver people carrier.

A weapon, believed to be a black handgun, was pointed at the victim whilst his grey Honda Civic car was stolen.

Officers attended and searched the area but were unable to find the car or the men involved in the incident.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We believe this to be an isolated and targeted incident.

“Officers are looking to speak to anyone with information about this incident, or who may live in the area and have dash cam or CCTV footage available to view.”

If you have any information relating to the incident please call Clacton CID on 101 quoting incident number 1435 of 10/09.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.