A knife-wielding thug stole hundreds of pounds from a pair of pensioners.

The crook broke into the home in Fanton Chase, Shotgate and threatened the couple who are in their 70s and demanded the cash.

Police are hunting a man in connection with the incident.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We are investigating following reports of two people being robbed at an address in Fanton Chase. 

“A man entered an address and threatened the occupants inside with a knife, demanding money, at around 9.30pm on Wednesday 6 November.

“The victims are both aged in their 70s and were, thankfully, unharmed but have had a three-figure sum of cash taken from them.

“The man has been described as being white and in his late teens or early 20s, with light-coloured hair, he wore a black quilted jumper with a hood.

“Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Basildon CID on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/177162/19.

“Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or submit an online report through their website.”