A have-a-go hero fought off a masked robber who threatened him with a handgun.

Police praised the efforts of the cashier, who is in his 60s, at Braiswick Service Station, Bergholt Road, in north Colchester.

The retired Royal Navy man was working alone in the garage at about 8pm when a robber wearing a home-made balaclava burst in and demanded cash.

Det Sgt Roger Napier, of Colchester police, said: "He brandished a black automatic pistol at the cashier who told him in not so many words to get lost.

"The robber still threatened him with a gun and the cashier started putting money into a beige plastic bag, but then took a swipe at the gunman and snatched the bag back."

The robber turned and fled empty-handed up Bergholt Road away from Colchester.

He was tracked by police dogs to an allotment where it is believed he got into a car.

Although he was unhurt the cashier was recovering at home from his ordeal.

Det Sgt Napier said: "The attendant was very brave although it is not something we would encourage because nobody knows the consequences when someone is threatened with a weapon."

The robber is described as a white man in his 20s with fair hair and 5ft 8in tall. He spoke in a local accent.

He was wearing a black balaclava which appeared to be made out of a sock, a black padded-style jacket with white writing on the left pocket, blue jeans and white trainers. He was also wearing a blue checked shirt.

Det Sgt Napier said: "We know there were two customers on the forecourt at the time. There was a man in a builder's van and an "attractive" woman in her mid-20s.

"If they or anyone else saw him, either waiting around outside or leaving, we would like to hear from them."

Hours after the robbery the garage was burgled and sweets stolen, but police believe the two crimes are unrelated.

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