The owner of an off-licence has spoken out about his ordeal after an attack by masked raiders.

Timothy Evans, 49, was set upon by the robbers at Tim's Off-Licence, in Freeland Road, Clacton.

Despite handing over more than £800 in cash, the attackers, aged between 28 and 30, continued to punch him.

He was taken to hospital for treatment after the assault which left him with two black eyes, cuts to his face and bruising.

He said: "Two men came in through the door with their hoods down.

"As soon as they came in, I knew there would be trouble, so I set the silent alarm in motion.

"They walked straight around the counter and started bashing me.

"I just said: take the money because it's insured'."

Mr Evans, who has owned the shop since 1984, said he advises all shopowners to hand over money rather than fight back.

He said: "It's just not worth putting yourself in harm's way."

  • Anyone with information about the incident, which happened at 9pm on Friday, should call Clacton CID on 01255 221312 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.