A knife-wielding thief stole hundreds of pounds from a petrol station during a robbery.

Essex Police has launched an investigation into the incident, which happened around 11pm yesterday (Wednesday, October 9).

A man is alleged to have gone inside the Applegreen petrol station in Rayne Road, Braintree, where he threatened a worker with a knife.

The man demanded the worker open the till and hand him the cash inside.

The thief was handed hundreds of pounds before he fled the scene.

Police say no one was hurt during the incident.

A spokesman said: "The suspect was described as white, aged in his early 20s and about 6ft 1in tall. He was slim and wore a red hooded puffer jacket, grey Nike tracksuit bottoms and white trainers. He had his face covered.

"We are making enquiries to identify the suspect and are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to contact us."

Call DC Gemma White at Braintree CID on 101 quoting reference 42/161297/19.

Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers charity 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org. 

Applegreen was contacted but declined to comment.