NEWSAGENT staff were left “shaken” after a knife-wielding thug targeted the store during a daylight robbery.

The crook is believed to have waited until all the customers had left before entering Premier - Station News and Grocers, on High Street, Shoebury, with a knife.

After pulling out the knife and threatening to use it on a cashier if they didn’t hand over money, the thug managed to escape with an unknown amount of cash from the till.

The store owner, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I think the man had waited until there were no customers around, as there was only two staff members inside at the time.

“He came in with a knife which was hidden in his pocket. He then pulled it out and showed them the knife, threatened a staff member, and said that if they didn’t empty the till he would use it on them.

“The man actually pushed a member of staff to get behind the counter and managed to corner them so that they couldn’t use the emergency button to call for help.

“Of course they complied. After that he grabbed three packs of cigars on his way out, maybe to celebrate I don’t know.

“A customer who had just pulled up chased him down the road but sadly lost him. He did a runner with all the contents of the till. This was all in about five minutes.”

Neither staff members were injured in the robbery, which happened Saturday at 3pm, but were left very shaken up.

The owner added: “I got the phone call as soon as it happened, the pair were quite shocked and didn’t know what to do. I went down there straight away to make sure they were okay- that was my main concern above anything else.

“It was quite a shock and just shows it can happen to anyone anywhere, there are both bad and good people out there.

“They are both very brave - one of them is understandably taking a bit of time after the incident, but the other has already said they’re fine to work again.

“Anyone would be really scared after being threatened like that, they’re quite nervous and shaken up but are dealing with things the best they can.

“The police came really quickly after and will be coming back to talk with us all again about what happened. We’re still trying to work out how much was taken, but thankfully have clear CCTV of the incident. Please, if there is anyone who may have seen anything do get in touch with the police.”

Please call 101 quoting 42/146045/20.