TERRIFIED shopkeepers were held up at gunpoint as armed robbers struck again on Canvey.

A man made off with a four-figure-sum of gold chains after threatening staff with a firearm at Jewellery Paradise, in Furtherwick Road, Canvey.

He placed the large quantity of jewellery in a plastic England carrier bag before leaving the store shortly after 4:30pm today.

It is the eighth robbery on the island in the past two months, bringing the total this year to 14 incidents.

This is the second incident to take place in the town centre.

Canvey councillor Ray Howard, who met with Police Crime Commissioner Nick Alston to discuss the problem last month, said: “I do know the detectives have been going into businesses and cafes to speak to traders in the area, but it is very sad news to hear this has happened again.

Armed robbery must be a truly terrifying ordeal, especially being threatened with a gun, and I hope whoever did this is brought to justice.

“I sincerely hope the team of detectives will work hard to find those responsible because something must be done to stop this.”

This comes after a specialist crack team of 13 detectives was drafted in especially earlier this month to tackle the recent spate of robberies on the island which has left shop owners and residents living in fear.

The CID team – which is responsible for solving the most serious of crimes – is being led by Det Insp Colin Norton and is permanently based at Canvey police station, in Long Road, full time.

The man is described as white, in his late 20s, of slim build, and was wearing a black hat and white trainers.

Anyone with information in connection with this robbery is urged to contact detectives at Rayleigh police station on 101.