Detectives were today hunting armed robbers who held up a supermarket in Colchester.

Police were called to the Co-op in Nayland Road, Mile End, at about 8.45pm yesterday after two men burst into the shop and threatened staff with a shotgun.

One of the two female shop assistants was slapped in the face as the attackers barked orders for them to bag up goods.

The robbers, one wearing a rubber mask, fled with only two packs of cigarettes after an assistant raised the alarm by pressing a panic button.

  • Anyone with information should contact Colchester CID 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111