Detectives have been linking three terrifying gun robberies at shops in Basildon.
Officers investigating the raids in which staff had guns and wooden bats pointed at them believe the same people are responsible. There is also strong evidence to suggest they come from Basildon.
Police have made a fresh appeal for witnesses in the hope of making a vital breakthrough.
Det Con Graham Hurrell, of Pitsea CID, said: "We are concentrating our investigations on the Basildon area. At this stage several items which could be vital to our inquiries have been sent away for forensic examination.
"We strongly believe all three robberies are connected based on the information we have at the moment but we still need witnesses with information to come forward."
The raids took place between January 13 and 29 in Pitsea, Vange and Laindon.
Anyone with information is asked to call Basildon police on 01268 532212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111
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