By James HoreA GARAGE cashier has been left badly shaken after being confronted by an armed robber.The petrol station attendant was working at the Frinton Service Station in Frinton Road, Kirby Cross, at about 9.

By James Hore

A GARAGE cashier has been left badly shaken after being confronted by an armed robber.

The petrol station attendant was working at the Frinton Service Station in Frinton Road, Kirby Cross, at about 9.30pm on Saturday when the robber struck.

He was confronted by a man who brandished a weapon - a square object with a piece of metal coming out of it, which police described as a "homemade cosh" - and demanded money.

The robber escaped with £40 and six packets of cigarettes and fled in the direction of Kirby Cross and Frinton. Although he was not hurt in the raid, the cashier was badly shaken by his ordeal.

GayeRowlingson, from the garage, said the cashier, who has not been named, had been upset by the attack and was taking time off work.

She added yesterday: "I think he was pretty shaken up and he did not come into work today, which he normally does and we had another member of staff in to cover.

"This kind of thing is rare here - going back a few years we had a member of staff who was assaulted on the forecourt, but that is about it. It was quite a shock to here what had happened.

"I have been here for about six years and this is the first time I have ever known a theft like this happening."

The robber was described as white, aged in his 20s, 5ft 8in tall, medium to stocky build and wearing a black hooded anorak with a grey fur collar and dark trousers.

Anyone with information should contact Clacton police on 01255 221312.

james.hore@eadt.co.uk