Police are hunting for two men following an armed robbery at a village supermarket

The men, one armed with what is believed to be a pistol and the other with a knife, threatened staff at DJ's Supermarket in Latchingdon before escaping with cash from the shop till.

Police closed off nearby roads and the helicopter was called in to help search for a white Vauxhall Astra car, which they believe was being used by the robbers

At first it was thought that around £200 was taken, but a subsequent till count showed that the final figure may not have been as high

Police said that during the raid, late last Friday afternoon, one of the men held a craft-type knife close to one member of staff

Det Con Jackie Howe at South Woodham CID said: "The men entered the shop and took a quantity of cash from the till. Inquiries are in hand at the moment and we have three outstanding suspects."

The man holding the pistol was described by staff as white, tall and of proportionate build. He was clean shaven and was wearing a cream baseball cap, a dark zipped jacket and cream casual trousers

The gun was black with some brown parts and described as very shiny. Staff said that they thought it may have been a fake.

The man carrying the knife was much shorter than his accomplice and was described as chubby with a red face. He was wearing a navy woollen hat and a dark jacket.

Police said both were aged 19 or 20. Anyone with information should call Dc Howes on 01245 212589

Published Thursday, June 12, 2003

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