An armed robber held a gun to a petrol station cashier's head during a late night attack in Marks Tey.

The 33-year-old staff member was locking up the Marks Tey Garage, in London Road, at about 10pm last night when he was attacked.

A man approached him from behind and held a gun to his head, ordering him to unlock the shop.

He stole a three-figure sum of cash and cigarettes of a similar value.

The robber then threatened the cashier with violence unless he stayed inside the shop while the suspect escaped. It is not known if he used an escape car.

Armed police and sniffer dogs carried out a thorough search of the area, but did not find anything.

The assailant is described as white, about 6ft tall and of big build.

Police are looking to speak to any witnesses to the incident, particularly three men who were spotted loitering by the car wash at the time of the robbery. It is unclear at the moment if they were accomplices or witnesses.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact detectives at Colchester Police on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.