DETECTIVES are investigating two terrifying robberies involving an axe-wielding thug wearing a Spider-Man mask at two stores less than 20 miles apart.

Earlier this week the Gazette revealed how the Co-op store in Regent Street, Rowhedge, had been targeted by two men armed with a screwdriver and an axe shortly after 8pm on Monday.

They demanded cash and cigarettes and were handed hundreds of pounds before making off in a dark grey car.

Both were white and one was wearing a blue ski mask, a black Adidas hooded top, scruffy trainers and grey gloves.

The other had the superhero mask on.

Now details have emerged about a raid on bookmakers Coral Racing in Maldon High Street last Wednesday by a man who covered his face with a similar Spider-Man disguise and thumped the desks with an axe and demanded cash.

Manager Colin Falck said two staff members working at the time were left traumatised by the raid.

He said: “The thug stormed in here in his Spider-Man mask banging his axe on the desk demanding the money. The five members of the public ran out immediately, leaving my staff with him.

“When they didn’t hand over what he wanted, he jumped over the desk and grabbed it himself.

“My staff weren’t physically hurt, but they’re now in a terrible state, understandably traumatised and suffering panic attacks.

“When you have a masked man threatening you with an axe, vaulting over desks to get at you, that’s more than enough to scare the hell out of anyone.”

An Essex Police spokesman confirmed the man got away with hundreds of pounds.

He was described as white, between 5ft 8ins and 6ft 1ins tall, and of stocky build.

As well as the mask he wore an olive green jacket and blue jeans.

Police have only just released details of the bookmakers robbery despite it happening more than a week ago.

Anyone with information should contact Chelmsford CID on 101 quoting incident number 968 of March 14.

Information relating to the Co-op robbery in Rowhedge can be given to police by calling Colchester CID on 101.

Alternatively, witnesses can give information about either robbery by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Police have been unable to confirm if the robberies are linked.