Armed robbers with machete and screwdriver raid Canvey store

Detectives are appealing for witnesses following an armed robbery at ‘The 99p Store’ on Canvey Island.

Two men walked into the store, in Furtherwick Road, at about 5.15pm on Saturday, December 14.

One of the men was carrying a machete in his hand, while the other had a screwdriver.

They turned left and went upstairs into the staff-only area.

They then told the two staff there to open the safe, and a four figure sum of cash was handed over.

A staff member tried to prevent the men leaving by using their bodyweight against the staff door, but they managed to get through and left the store.

The first man is described as 5ft 8ins tall, with blue eyes, and spoke with a London accent. He was about 27 to 30 years old wearing a black jacket, dark blue Adidas tracksuit bottoms with white stripes down the side, white trainers, and a grey top with a cartoon on the front. He was wearing a mask.

The second was about 19 to 20 years old, skinny, and about 5ft 7ins tall. He was wearing a mask, blue jeans, black puma trainers, and a white and a black jacket.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Southend CID on 101. Alternatively, call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.