Armed raiders held a man at gunpoint in his own home before using his car as a getaway vehicle.
The robbers burst into the terrified victim's house, in Port Lane, Colchester, and threatened him with what is believed to be a handgun.
They then escaped in the victim's red Toyota Yaris car.
Minutes later, the suspects threatened two members of the public with the gun near the junction with Recreation Road.
Police said the victim was shocked by the ordeal, which took place at about 6.15pm on Tuesday.
Det Con Steve King, of Colchester CID, said: "The victim is still badly shaken, and he will be helping with our inquiries. We are keen to trace the vehicle and to speak to anyone who saw the suspects."
The getaway car's registration was Y311 RBJ. Nothing else was taken in the raid.
- Anyone with information should call Colchester CID on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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