Police were today hunting a knife-wielding masked teenager who tried to rob a petrol station.

The crook, aged 16-18, fled empty-handed after being challenged by a cashier and a customer when he tried to raid the Save petrol station in Southend Road, Stanford-le-Hope.

A male cashier and a customer fought back when the would-be thief, wearing a white hat over his face, appeared in the shop at 11.45am Tuesday brandishing a knife.

The pair chased the youth out of the store, along Southend Road and into Hardie Road, where they lost sight of him.

Nothing was stolen and no-one was injured.

Police want to hear from anyone with information. The teenager was white, slim, 5ft 8ins, with blond hair, shaved at the back and spikey on top.

He wore a black jacket and white T-shirt which hung down below the back of the jacket.

The incident comes two days after a man tried to rob a convenience store in Kings Parade, Stanford.

Police are trying to trace witnesses to the bungled raid, which happened just after 2pm Sunday. The crook is believed to have been carrying of weapon wrapped in a cloth or bag.

He was white, 6ft 2ins to 6ft 3ins and wore black trousers and a black hooded jacket with grey panels on the side.

If you can help call Det Sgt Graham Carter of Corringham CID on 01375 361212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If you have information on the Save petrol station incident call Det Con Adrian Sharp at Corringham CID on 01375 361212 or the Crimestoppers number.

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