POLICE in Essex have appealed for witnesses following an attempted armed robbery at a corner shop in Chelmsford last night.

Elliot Furniss

POLICE in Essex have appealed for witnesses following an attempted armed robbery at a corner shop in Chelmsford last night.

A would-be robber, armed with a kitchen knife and aged between 18 and 25-years-old, entered Castle Stores in Sandford Road, at 5.15pm and demanded money and cigarettes.

There were two staff members in the store at the time, a 16-year-old girl from Chelmsford and a 22-year-old man from Grays.

The man from Grays grabbed the knife from the man, who promptly ran away empty handed.

He is described as white, 5ft 10ins tall, medium build, wearing a scarf wrapped around his face and a dark top.

Det Con Dave Knight of Chelmsford CID advised shop keepers to make sure they have security systems in place.

He said: “We have had an increase in the number of attacks on commercial premises of this nature are we would urge them to make sure they have all their security measures in place and that their CCTV is working.

“Thankfully in this case it was and we will be examining it.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact officers in Chelmsford on 01245 491212.