Three-figure sum of cash stolen in Canvey armed robbery

Detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding an armed robbery on Canvey Island in which a three-figure sum of cash was stolen from a garage.

A man armed with a knife threatened a female cashier at Costcutter on the High Street just after 10pm on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 and forced her to hand over the cash.

He then ran off towards Canvey Point.

Investigating Officer, Ds Dave Browning, said: "We have obtained statements from the staff, but we have yet to identify this attacker. Therefore, we need to speak to anyone who saw him running off from shop on that Tuesday night.”

The assailant is described as white, in his 20s and about 6ft tall. He has blue eyes and short, dark hair. At the time of the robbery he was wearing a beige hoodie and was clean-shaven.

A forensic examination of the shop has taken place and investigating officers are now looking at CCTV to find out whether the attacker has been caught on camera.

Ds Dave Browning added: "The publication of any CCTV images in the local media at this stage will hinder and jeopardise our investigation. We need to analyse the footage first as excerpts before and after the actual robbery may contain evidence which, if published at this stage, will compromise investigation integrity. The release of any suspect image at this stage will also damage our lines of enquiries.”

Anyone with information in connection with this robbery is urged to contact detectives at Southend police station on 101.

• A 17-year-old boy from Canvey was arrested and has been released without charge.