A SHOPKEEPER was held at knifepoint and forced to empty his till by two thugs during a terrifying robbery captured on CCTV.

The footage, seen by the Gazette, shows a pair of men burst into St George’s Store in Canterbury Road, Colchester, and get its owner Jay Kanesalingam in a headlock while armed with a large knife.

One of the men, wearing a black coat, grey tracksuit bottoms and a snood, repeatedly says “be quiet” as he orders Mr Kanesalingam, who suffered a minor cut, to open the till.

The second man then barks “do not move” before the duo load up a black rucksack and flee down Barrington Road at about 7.15pm last Monday.

Gazette: Knife point - one of the robbers holds shopkeeper Jay Kanesalingam at knife pointKnife point - one of the robbers holds shopkeeper Jay Kanesalingam at knife point (Image: St George's Stores)

Gazette: Scary - a robber directs Mr Kanesalingam during the raidScary - a robber directs Mr Kanesalingam during the raid (Image: St George's Store)

Essex Police said the men left with about £500 worth of tobacco and £100 from the till.

A spokesman said: “Officers arrived at the scene and carried out a search of the area but no one matching the suspects’ details could be found.

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“Our inquiries are ongoing, including examining CCTV from the shop and the surrounding roads as well as work to isolate any forensic opportunities.”

Mr Kanesalingam said the incident “shocked” him, adding: “I was busy with filling the shelves and they were waiting outside. I had no idea they were there.

Gazette: Raid - a knife can be seen as the robber take tobacco and cash and load it into a rucksackRaid - a knife can be seen as the robber take tobacco and cash and load it into a rucksack (Image: St George's Stores)

Gazette: Raid - St George's Store in Canterbury Road, ColchesterRaid - St George's Store in Canterbury Road, Colchester (Image: St George's Store)

“I suffered a small cut as he was holding my neck with one hand and the other was holding the knife.”

A fundraiser launched to support the shop has since been launched by nearby resident Rebecca Broadbent.

“Anyone that's seen the footage could only imagine how this experience has left him shaken to say the least,” a statement reads.

“Being a local to the shop, I for one know that Jay and Kumar work very hard to provide us with a lovely little local shop.”

Gazette: Planned attack - the robbers arrive at the scene in Canterbury RoadPlanned attack - the robbers arrive at the scene in Canterbury Road (Image: St George's Stores)

The fundraiser has been supported by Colchester mayoress Nicola Goodchild, who once lived just doors away from the shop.

“It is really awful to see what’s happened. It looked brutal,” said Ms Goodchild.

“Knowing how many times I have been in and out of that door… it’s just horrible.”

Colchester councillor Lee Scordis added: “I encourage people with any evidence to submit it to the police.”

Any information should quote the crime reference number 42/31414/23.

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