An armed robbery was foiled when security guards locked themselves in their van.
Two men believed to be carrying small black handguns approached the vehicle in a compound behind Morrisons supermarket, Centenary Way, Little Clacton.
One of the men tried to get in, but a guard pushed him away and locked the vehicle. The robbers left empty-handed.
Neither of the two security guards, a man and a woman, were injured in the incident on Saturday at about 5.30pm.
They were recovering from the ordeal at home yesterday.
Detectives said it was unclear if the robbers had a vehicle nearby.
A Clacton police spokesman said: "Detectives want to speak to anyone who was in Morrisons, or in the area of Centenary Way or London Road, who noticed any vehicles that could be linked to this offence or any other suspicious activity."
The men, believed to be white, were wearing dark clothes. One was 6ft tall and of large build. The second was 5ft 8ins and thinner.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Con Tim Coyles at Clacton CID on 01255 221312 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article