TWO robbers in crash helmets targeted a Colchester newsagent.

The attack happened as the owner was opening up the shop on Crouch Street at shortly after 9am.

Two men entered the shop and threatened the member of staff with an unseen weapon.

They then stole a large quantity of cigarettes and a four-figure sum of cash before walking out.

They were headed in the direction of Balkerne Hill.

Investigating Officer, DC Pete Burns, from Colchester CID, said: “We believe these two men had probably been scoping the premises in the days and maybe weeks leading up to this attack.

"We will be looking through CCTV to see if they have been captured on camera, but in the meantime we’re asking for people to digest the descriptions of these two and see if they register with anyone they may know.

"The area would have been semi-deserted at the time, but two men walking around with crash helmets are going to stand out so we’re asking for any witnesses to also contact us.”

The robbers are described as white and in their 20s.

One man was of thin build and wearing a black T-shirt which showed off tattoos on both arms. He had a black and blue helmet.

His accomplice was of muscular build, wearing a grey T-shirt and had a black and yellow helmet.

The 57-year-old shopkeeper was uninjured, but is recovering from shock.

Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at Colchester police station on 0300 333 4444.