POLICE have released an efit of an armed robber who threatened a car saleswoman at knifepoint.

The man walked into the sales office of WeBuyAnyCar.com, in Boston Avenue, Southend, and waved a blade in front of a female worker, demanding her to hand over money.

He then grabbed the terrified woman by the neck.

The robber fled empty-handed when she told him no cash was kept in the office.

The staff member was unhurt, but left shaken and distressed following the incident, which took place shortly before 1:30pm on Friday, June 20.

Police hope people will recognise the man in the efit and help identify him.

Dc Chris Adam, Investigating officer, said: "We would ask people to take a close look at the efit as this man could live in and around the Southend area.

“We want to take him off the streets before he has the chance to try his luck again elsewhere.”

The robber is described as mixed race, of medium built and approximately 6ft 1in tall.

He is thought to be in his 30s and at the time of the incident was wearing a green fleece and dark trousers.

Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at Southend police station on 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.