A ROBBER made off with cash from a Southchurch newsagent after threatening a member of staff with a weapon.

The Big News 3 store in Eastern Esplanade was targeted around 6.30am yesterday.

A man went into the shop, picked up a packet of crisps from the display and started to look around the shop.

He then approached the counter, threatened a member of staff with what police say was “something that looked like a blade” and told him to hand over money.

The shop worker gave him a sum of cash and the man left the store, heading along the seafront towards the direction of the Ocean Beach bar and restaurant.

Dc Vicky Caine, who is investigating the incident, said: "The man is described as white, aged in his 20s, about 6ft tall and was wearing a black jacket, a grey hooded top, black trousers and dark trainers.”

The shop worker was not injured but was left shaken up after the robbery.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Dc Vicky Caine at Southend CID on Essex Police 101 or people can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.