SHOP workers were threatened with a gun during an attempted armed robbery in Basildon.

Detectives are appealing for information following the incident at a Costcutter on Osier Drive on Thursday.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "A person, described as being white and around 5ft 4ins tall, entered the store through the double doors on Osier Drive just before 8.20pm on March 21.

"They threatened two members of staff with what is believed to be a small handgun. When the shop assistants took themselves to a place of safety, the person made their way out of the store without taking anything.

"They left through the door onto Willowfield and, despite a thorough search of the area, we have been unable to locate them.

"They wore all black and had their face covered. We believe that they had red gloves on and black trainers, which had a white or gold rim around the bottom of the shoe."

Anyone with information should call Basildon CID on 101 and quote the crime reference number 42/44674/19, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.