ARMED robbers held a Lakeside shop at gunpoint while they stole a five-figure sum of cash.

The raiders burst into Matalans, in Weston Avenue, shortly before 10pm on Friday.

A member of staff was forced to hand over the cash, but no one was injured.

Police later arrested student Nathaniel Johnson, 24, of Godman Road, Grays, and property manager Daniel Bent, 23, of Amberley Road, Leyton, in connection with the raid.

Both men will appear in Basildon Magistrates’ Court tomorrow charged with kidnap, robbery and possession of an imitation firearm.