Police are hunting four masked robbers who held up a fish and chip shop.

And detectives in Colchester are appealing for information after the raiders overpowered and tied up staff before making off with cash.

The men barged their way into the shop at the Willows, off Mersea Road, just as the 22-year-old assistant manager was closing up at around 11pm on Saturday night.

He and a 16-year-old youth who had called in were bundled to the floor.

The assistant manager was forced to give the code to the safe, which was opened and cash taken. No-one was hurt in the incident.

Limited descriptions of the four men have been given to police.

The first two were between 5ft 7ins and 5ft 10ins tall. One was wearing a black woollen hat, black jacket, blue jeans, and was stocky with a round face.

The other had dark curly unkempt hair, was of medium build and wearing a dark navy or black sweater and dark blue jeans.

The third man was 6ft tall, slim, and was wearing a light blue top with a hood he had over his head.

The fourth raider was wearing Doc Marten boots and jeans.

Police are asking anyone who saw a group of men hanging around the area on Saturday night or who saw the men leaving the shop just after 11pm to contact Colchester police on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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