TWO robbers stole thousands of pounds after attacking a village pub worker and forcing him to hand over keys to a safe.

They struck as he was cashing up early this morning in the storeroom of the Rose and Crown pub in Nayland Road, Great Horkesley.

The man, 39, suffered cuts and bruises in the assault.

Detectives want to speak to anyone who saw suspicious activity - especially people waiting outside or leaving the car park in a hurry - in the early hours of this morning.

Anyone with information should contact DS Pete Coley at Colchester CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.