A gun-wielding robber made off with cash and £1,000 worth of phone cards during a raid at a service station.

The man, who was wearing a balaclava, struck just after 3am yesterday (Tuesday) at the 24-hour BP-owned service station in West Street, Rochford.

He approached the night pay window, produced a handgun and held out a grey bag - which he ordered the terrified cashier to fill with cash.

When the bag would not fit through the window, the gunman became angry and ordered the cashier to fill a plastic sack from inside the station instead. The man then fled, although it is not known if he escaped on foot or in a getaway car.

Det Con Rachel Slade of Rochford CID, said: "We are very keen to trace anyone who might have been passing the petrol station at around that time."

An Essex Police spokesman added: "He got away with a substantial amount of cash and phone cards and we will be studying CCTV footage of the incident."

A BP spokesman praised the actions of the shop worker. She said: "The cashier was scared but he pressed the panic alarm and did everything by the book. He has been given time off and will be offered counselling."

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