Essex Police is appealing for witnesses following a robbery at a Co-Op store in Heybridge.

It happened yesterday just before 8.20pm, when a man entered the shop in Lawling Avenue armed with an axe and demanded cash and cigarettes.

No one was injured.

The suspect’s face was concealed by a balaclava.

He also wore a dark-coloured hooded top and brought with him a black and white large laundry bag.

The man is around 6ft tall.

Any witnesses or people with information should contact detectives at Chelmsford CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.