Police are investigating an armed robbery at Ladbrokes in Station Road, at Burnham.

A man entered the store shortly before 8.25pm on Sunday and threatened a member of staff with what is believed to have been a shotgun.

A quantity of cash from the till was given to the man and he then fled in an unknown direction.

Police attended at the scene and a full search of the area was carried out but no trace of the man was found.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "The staff member was left very shocked by what happened but was physically unharmed."

The suspect is described as white, around 5ft 5in tall, of medium build and was wearing a green hooded top with a black scarf covering his face.

Police enquires are continuing and if anyone saw the man in the area either before or after the robbery or has any information which could help find this man they are asked to call Chelmsford CID on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.