ARMED raiders threatened staff with a blade before stealing cash in a frightening hold-up.

The men burst into the Welcome shop on Portsea Road, Tilbury at 10pm on Tuesday.

One of the men, armed with a knife, walked behind the till and emptied it and began removing cigarettes. He also threatened staff.

His accomplice stood watch in the doorway during the raid.

The pair then fled with £150 cash and £50 worth of cigarettes.

Detectives are now hunting the pair and have released a CCTV image of the robber.

Witnesses can contact Grays CID on 101.