POLICE are searching for a cyclist after a knifepoint robbery at a newsagents.

A man entered Martin's at The Centre at around 4.15pm on Thursday and threatened staff with a knife, demanding they hand over cash from the till.

The man took the cash and left the shop.

The man in the photo is described as white, around 6ft tall and of a slim build.

He was wearing a blue jacket and a balaclava and seen cycling towards Gorse Walk.

A spokesman for the force urged anyone with information to come forward.

He said: "We appreciate the image isn’t very clear, but if anyone saw a man matching this description in or around the area at the time of the incident or has information, please call Colchester police station on 101 quoting incident 757 of November 23.

"Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information."

Martin's stores are run by national company McColl's.

A spokesman for the firm said they were supporting the employees affected and helping police with their investigation: “The health, safety and wellbeing of our employees and customers is of utmost importance. 

"We are working closely with the relevant authorities in response to this incident.”