ARMED thugs threatened shop staff with a fake gun during a terrifying robbery at a convenience store on Canvey.

Two suspects entered the Best One store, in Canvey Road, at around 6.50pm last night, with one threatening staff with what police believe was an airsoft gun demanding cash.

Within an hour of the incident being reported to Essex Police, one of the suspects, an 18-year-old man from Canvey, was arrested on suspicion of robbery.

The second suspect, a 31-year-old man from Canvey, was arrested this morning, also on suspicion of robbery.

Ray Howard MBE, former long-standing Canvey councillor, was shocked to hear about the incident and said: “It is a disgrace.

“People go to get their living and go to work; they shouldn’t have to face this. Especially when doing their best to serve the community and customers coming in.

“To be blunt, something like this must absolutely terrify them.

“It is just not acceptable at all on Canvey, or anywhere.

“When you think of armed robbery on Canvey, it worries you, especially with only one real way on and off.

“Full marks go to the police for catching them, and I hope those responsible go before the courts, and face the full force of the law, taking the punishment they deserve.”

The pair arrested remain in custody while Essex Police’s enquiries continue.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We have arrested two men on suspicion of robbery following an incident at a shop in Canvey on Tuesday evening.

“We were called to reports of a robbery involving a potential firearm at the Best One shop in Canvey Road at about 6.50pm on Tuesday, October 15.

“The victim reported two suspects entered the shop and one threatened staff with what officers believe was an airsoft gun before demanding cash.

“Within an hour one of the suspects, an 18-year-old man from Canvey, was arrested on suspicion of robbery.

“The second suspect, a 31-year-old man from Canvey, was arrested this morning on suspicion of robbery.

“Both remain in custody while our enquiries continue.”