A robber brandishing a Samurai-style knife stole £600 worth of cigarettes and scratch cards from a newsagents.
The man walked into Yosha's<OK> shop, in Alderney Gardens, Wickford, shortly after 6am yesterday.
He used a knife that had a 12-inch blade to threaten staff and ordered them to hand over cash, cigarettes and scratch cards.
A police spokesman said: "He insisted on Benson and Hedges cigarettes. Staff put the cigarettes and scratch cards in two white plastic carrier bags but did not give him cash."
"The knife is thought to be of the Japanese Samurai Dragon-style with a white pattern on its handle."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article