A would-be robber threatened shop staff with a knife before fleeing empty-handed.
The man burst into the Costcutters in Osir Drive, Basildon, and threatened staff with a knife while demanding cash from the till.
During the terrifying raid the crook told the frightened employees: "Do you want to see someone get hurt."
But the raider then fled the store without taking any cash.
The man is described as white and about 5ft 8ins tall.
He wore a black hood-top, a black scarf around his face, a bomber jacket and dark clothing on his lower half.
Anyone with information about the attempted robbery, which happened at around 12pm on Tuesday, should contact police at Basildon on 01268 532212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, in confidence.
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