An armed robber who pointed a gun at a woman's head as she chatted to her friend inside her car was today being hunted by police.
The man struck as the two workmates nattered to each other just after parking up in Electric Avenue, Westcliff.
The thug thrust his handgun through the driver's window and held it to the driver's head and told them to hand over their purses.
He also grabbed the car keys from the ignition to prevent them driving off.
The 24-year-old driver gave up her purse as her terrified 40-year-old passenger threw open the silver Fiesta's door and ran for her life.
Startled by her bolt to safety, the robber dashed towards London Road and dropped the purse.
Police swooped to the area, but he managed to slip through the net.
Officers believe the incident at 4pm last Thursday was a street robbery rather than an attempted car-jacking.
The gunman is described as 40 years old, white, 5ft 8ins tall, with blue eyes, a grey goatee beard and yellow teeth with a gap in the middle.
He was wearing a dark hooded top and dark jeans.
Anyone with information is asked to call Southend police on 01702 431212.
Published Monday August 16, 2004
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