A WOMAN was held at knifepoint by a robber in Southend earlier today.

Police are now appealing for witnesses following the armed robbery in Boston Avenue.

A man entered a branch of WeBuyAnyCar.com at about 1.25pm today and threatened a member of staff with a knife.

The man is believed to have demanded money and grabbed the female staff member by the neck.

He fled empty-handed when told no cash was kept at the office.

The victim was not injured but has been left badly shaken by the incident.

The man was black, about 6ft 1in tall; aged in his 30, of medium built and had close cropped hair. He was wearing a green fleece top and dark-coloured trousers.

Anyone with information should contact DS Paul Gutteridge or his colleagues at Southend CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.