A robber snatched a briefcase holding thousands of pounds from two businessmen in the car park of a hotel.

The criminal threatened his victims after grabbing the case at the Marks Tey hotel at 10am yesterday.

The two middle-aged Asian men had travelled down from the north east of England on business when the crime happened.

And police think the robber may have known about the large amount of money they had with them.

After snatching the case, the 30-year-old white male was driven away by an accomplice in a red Ford Escort which was later found dumped at Copford Green.

Two men were seen getting out of it and driving away in a black, Y-reg Vauxhall Vectra, which police are keen to trace.

Witnesses should call 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

Published Monday, April 8, 2002