Southend: Attempted Armed Robberies

Police believe two attempted armed robberies in Southend on Friday were carried out by the same person

Detectives have now released CCTV footage of a man who they believe attempted to carry out robberies on Friday evening, November 16th.

It is believed that he also attempted to steal a picture frame from a Gallery in Southchurch Road around 5pm the same evening.

A man had entered Chartwell Gallery and had, what appeared to be, a handgun in the waistband of his trousers.

The man demanded cash but ran out of the premises when confronted by a member of staff.

Later a man entered the bookmakers shop in West Street and threatened the cashier with a handgun, demanding money.

The cashier ran out to the back of the shop and the man was seen to leave the shop empty handed, turning into West Street.

He is described as white, slim/medium build, aged in his 30-40s with a shaven or balding head and was wearing a navy blue, zipped-up anorak, dark jumper, black trousers and black trainers.

DC Layla Barker who is investigating said: "The picture of the man is very clear and I hope someone will recognise him and give us a name.

"Fortunately no one was injured in these two incidents but we need to identify the man as soon as possible."

 Anyone who recognises the man is asked to call 101.