Terror struck in a quiet row of shops in Warley when a masked raider dressed in black held terrified Chinese takeaway staff at gunpoint before running off with their takings.

At about 10.55pm on Good Friday the armed raider walked calmly into the Oriental Chef in The Keys, pointing a handgun directly in the face of the girl behind the counter.

He told the terrified assistant: "Give me the money." Seconds later three staff appeared from the back of the shop when the raider leaned over the counter, grabbed the till drawer and ran out.

Police are now trying to piece together his movements. He is thought to have turned right out of the shop and made off on foot.

Police made an extensive search for clues in the surrounding area during the night and over the weekend.

The incident is the third armed robbery in the Warley area in the last 18 months.

In December 1997, a knife-wielding thug and his accomplice grabbed money from a till at the Threshers off licence on Warley Hill.

In November 1998, a masked gunman left a woman shop assistant at the Copperfield's general store on Warley Hill in a state of shock after he threatened her and made off with hundreds of pounds.

But police say they are not connecting the latest incident to the previous two until further enquiries are made.

They are appealing to local people to be on the lookout for unusual items that the raider may have discarded in his hurried escape.

The police would also like to hear from two girls in their 20s who were in the Oriental Chef at about 10pm and asked to use the phone, or anyone who was in the area that evening, anyone who saw anything suspicious or anyone with any information.

Dc Paul McFadyen told This Is Essex: "It's important that anyone with information comes forward as we think this man could strike again.

"He is a dangerous criminal who obviously has no regard for people's feelings. The staff at the restaurant have been left extremely worried and concerned for their safety.

"The woman behind the counter was shocked and frozen when it happened."

The man is described as white and between 5ft 2" and 5ft 4", wearing all black clothing, a balaclava and gloves.

Anyone with any information should contact Dc Paul McFadyen on 01277 262212.

Terror attack: The Chinese takeaway shop in Warley where staff were threatened by an armed raider.

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