Police are hunting an armed robber who held up a Rochford petrol station in the early hours of this morning (Friday).

The raider, who wore a woolly hat pulled down over his forehead and a scarf around his nose and mouth, walked into the BP service station in West Street, Rochford, at 4am and pointed a handgun at the male cashier.

He demanded cash from the till and the terrified cashier handed over a quantity of money before the thief ran off.

Acting Det Sgt Chris Binks from Rochford said: "The cashier was shocked and scared by the incident but is coping well. We would like to speak to any witnesses."

The man was between 5ft 9in and 6ft, and of medium build. He wore a black bomber jacket and a woolly hat and scarf.

Anyone with information should contact Det Sgt Binks at Rayleigh CID on 01268 775533 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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