A masked thug stole thousands of pounds and cigarettes from a store in an aggressive raid.

The thug threatened staff inside the shop in Felmores End, Pitsea at about 5.05pm yesterday.

Police say he stole a four-figure sum of cash, and also took cigarettes before fleeing the shop.

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Officers are now appealing for information from anyone who was in the vicinity at the time of the robbery.

An Essex Police spokesperson said: "We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed any part of the incident.

"Anyone with information should submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

"You can also call us on 101 and cite incident 881 of January 25."

Information can also be given to independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or https://crimestoppers-uk.org.