Two hooded robbers punched a wine merchant's proprietor in the face and stole money from his till.

The robbers went in to Budget Wines in Ravensdale, Great Clacton, at 10.15pm yesterday (Thursday).

They punched Colin Grant twice in the face leaving him with bruising and minor injuries. Then the raiders grabbed £40 from the till and fled. They made off on foot in the direction of Swallowdale.

Police dog units were called and scenes of crime officers attended. Investigations are also under way to find out what might have been in a plastic bag which the men were carrying.

Insp Richard Day, of Clacton police, described the assault as a "vicious attack."

And police today appealed for help in tracking down the robbers.

The two attackers are described as 5ft 10in, one with a slim build, and were in their late teens or early 20s.

They were dressed identically with blue hooded tops pulled over their faces with eyes cut in them.

Police were today (Friday) due to interview Mr Grant and are also studying CCTV tapes from the store and other sites nearby.

Anyone with information about the robbery should call Clacton police on 01255 221312 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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