A violent raider beat a sub-post office mistress to the ground as he stole thousands of pounds from Herongate Village Store.

The robber arrived at the Brentwood Road sub post office at around 10am on Tuesday carrying a large parcel, but then forced his way into the counter area.

The sub-post office mistress, Susan Robertson, tried to fight off the thief, but he hit her and proceeded to steal what police have described as a "large sum of cash".

The raider then drove off with his four figure haul towards the A127 in a small white car, which police believe was parked nearby.

Mrs Robertson is said to have minor injuries following the raid.

Police are appealing for any witnesses, who may have seen the robbery, to come forward.

The attacker is described as white, aged between 30 and 35, 5ft 10in with a medium to stocky build.

He had dark collar length hair with a centre parting and a long unkempt fringe.Police have said he had an "outdoor" complexion and was clean shaven.

He was wearing a green checked lumberjack style shirt.

Anyone with information should contact Det Con Andy Borton at Brentwood Police on 01277 262212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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