Detectives were today hunting a teenager who threatened to stab a shopkeeper unless he handed over cash from the till.
The would-be robber fled empty-handed after the shop owner refused to give him any money.
Police believe within 30 minutes the same teenager may have tried to rob another store less than a couple of miles away from the first failed robbery - but he was foiled by a shop assistant who threatened to raise the alarm.
The first incident happened in Boyce Road, Stanford-le-Hope, at around 9am on Friday. The teenager - aged between 18 and 19 according to police - walked into the store trying to cover his face.
He said: "If you don't give me the money I'll stab you". Then he lifted up his sweatshirt to reveal a brass handle. No blade was seen.
The raider, who left the store empty-handed, is described as white, slim, blue eyes with brown short hair and slightly protruding front teeth.
He was wearing a dark bomber jacket, a grey sweatshirt with a zip up to the collar and a black woollen hat.
Half-an-hour later at the Rainbow Stores in Corringham Road there was a similar incident where a man pulled up his jumper to show a six-inch long, round, brass handle.
Once again the raider - after asking for money in £10 and £20 notes - made off empty handed.
He is described as white, more than 6ft tall, wearing a mid-grey top and a scarf covering his face up to his nose. He also wore a navy-coloured hat, dark jacket and dark trainers.
Witnesses to either incident and anyone who recognises the descriptions, should contact Grays police on 01375 391212.
Published Tuesday, April 15, 2003
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