Detectives warned shop staff to be extra vigilant after a raid on a village post office - the third in the Braintree area in a week.

Two robbers burst into Black Notley Post Office, Witham Road, at 11.30am yesterday and demanded cash.

The men locked the owner and a female worker in the post office area before escaping.

No customers were in the store and no-one was hurt, but the staff were left in shock.

Postmaster Piush Vaidya said: "I was taking an order when I realised someone had come up behind me. He pushed me into the post office counter area.

"After they took the money they told us to kneel down and not come out. I waited a while and when I tried to open the door, it was locked. I found a spare key but the other key was still inside the door from the other side.

"It was only when some customers came in, I was able to shout to them to let us out."

Mr Vaidya added: "I was only reading about the other robberies that morning and could not believe it was happening here.

"I have been running the store for 14 years and nothing like this has ever happened. I think it is a sign of the times but these robbers must be caught."

Detectives investigating yesterday's raid said the robbers were not thought to be armed. They said it was still too early to rule out a link with two armed robberies, both at the Co-op Food Store, Bocking, last week.

The raiders were between 5ft 5in and 5ft 9in tall and wore dark clothing. One wore a balaclava. Det Con Kevin Collett said: "We would advise store owners to review security and be extra vigilant."

Anyone with information should call Braintree CID in 01376 551312 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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