Southend: CCTV of Attempted Armed Robbery

Essex Police have released CCTV images of an attempted armed robbery at a Newsagent's shop in Southend.

It happened on Southchurch Avenue just before 2.30pm on Thursday 28th March.

A man brandishing a handgun entered the shop and ordered the female shopkeeper to hand over money. When she refused and told him to get out of her shop he punched her in the face. He then fled empty-handed and ran off towards York Road.

The woman was left badly shaken and was checked by paramedics.

The suspect is described as being white, of slim or skinny build, aged between 20 and 30 and about 5ft 6in tall.

He was wearing a distinctive Russian Red Army or Cossack-style woollen hat with large ear flaps, a purple/blue jacket and grey or blue jeans. He had a red or orange-coloured scarf covering his face.

Any witnesses or anyone who can identify the man should contact Dc Karen Miller or her colleagues at Southend CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111