A staff member held his nerve after bungling robbers threatened him with a chair.

Three men burst into the Carphone Warehouse, on Prince Avenue, Southend, on February 23, and threatened the male member of staff with a chair.

However, he refused hand anything over and the would-be robbers fled from the store.

Police are appealing for witnesses for the attempted robbery, which took place at 9.30am.

The suspects were all white, aged around 20 and had dark hair.

Two had black scarves over their faces and were 5ft 8in tall and over 6ft tall. The third had a blue chequered scarf across his face and was around 5ft 8in tall.

Anyone who thinks they saw the men in the area at the time or who has any other information which could help is asked to call Southend CID on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.