Police are hunting two armed robbers who held up a branch of the Co-op with a screwdriver and an axe.
The men threatened staff into handing over cigarettes and cash at the Regent Street store, in Rowhedge, on Monday night.
Two men, armed with a screwdriver and an axe, entered the shop just after 8pm.
A three figure sum of cash was stolen by the men, who then made off on foot towards the High Street, where they are believed to have made off in a dark grey getaway car in the direction of Heath Road.
One of the men was white, between 5ft 6in and 5ft 8in, and wearing a black Adidas hooded top, scruffy trainers, grey gloves and a blue ski mask.
The other man was also white and wore a Spiderman mask.
Anyone with information is asked to call Colchester CID on 101. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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