A masked gang armed with a hammer have stolen thousands of pounds from a Heybridge bookies. 

Three men entered Coral, on The Street, last night at about 8pm dressed in black and wearing balaclavas. 

One of the men was armed with a hammer, and the gang demanded money.

They took thousands of pounds of cash before all three men left the scene on foot.

No-one was injured.

The same bookmakers was targeted in 2015 as men armed with a machete stole tens of thousands of pounds from the business. 

If you have saw the men or have any information about what happened, please contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.