A new suspect is being sought 15 months after two security guards in Witham were robbed of almost quarter-of-a-million pounds at gun-point.

East Anglian Daily Times: Wanted man Stevie Atkins. Picture: PROVIDED BY ESSEX POLICEWanted man Stevie Atkins. Picture: PROVIDED BY ESSEX POLICE (Image: Archant)

Essex Police has launched an appeal to trace Stevie Atkins, who also uses the name Stephen Michael Smith and has links to Romford and Mijas in Malaga.

The 36-year-old is wanted in connection with an armed robbery outside Asda in Highfields Road, Witham on December 14, 2016.

Two guards in a security van had stopped to refill a cash machine at around 8.30am when two balaclava-clad men wielding a double-barrelled shotgun jumped them.

One of the guards was forced onto his knees while the other was ordered to remove money from the van.

No shots were fired and no-one was injured during the incident.

The robbers then made off with £235,000 in a BMW 4x4 driven by an accomplice.

The incident took place while the store was open.

Joe Turner, 29, of Vincent Road, Dagenham, was jailed for 15 years last summer after admitting his involvement in the raid.

Police are now searching for Atkins and have released pictures in a bid to track him down.

He is 6ft 4ins tall, muscular, and has a prominent scar under his right eye and a tribal tattoo on his left arm.

Anyone who knows of his whereabouts is asked to contact Dc Sarah Winn on 101.

Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers charity 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.

Anyone in Spain who has information about where Atkins is can call Crimestoppers on freephone 900 555 111.