MASKED thieves threatened bakery workers with a metal pipe as they stole a catalytic converter from a pensioner’s car.

Ann Hume, 82, who owns Hume’s bakery in Halstead High Street, said six masked men were seen at the back of the bakery entrance.

The men were lifting her car to get to its catalytic converter.

But they were interrupted by son Adrian, 51, who was working at the bakery with another employee at about 2.30am last Tuesday.

Employees work late shifts at the bakery to prepare produce for later in the day.

After hearing noises out the back of the bakery, the pair went to investigate and discovered the masked figures.

They retreated to the safety of the bakery after the crooks threatened them with a metal pipe.

The gang escaped with the catalytic converter.

Mrs Hume has owned the bakery with husband Dennis for 62 years and says it is the first time such a crime has happened there.

Now she is urging residents to keep safe and be on their guard.

Mr Hume said: “It was at the back entrance to the bakery, where the parked cars are.

“My son just heard a noise outside and went down to see what the noise was.

“He said there were about six of them and they were able to lift the car.

“They threatened him with an iron pipe and he made a hasty retreat.

“He said he was all right for a bit, but I think it dawned on him later. It came as a bit of a shock, but he’s OK.

“If you’ve got a car with a catalytic converter, keep your eyes open and keep on guard.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: “We are investigating following reports that a catalytic converter was stolen in Halstead around 2am on August 3.

“It was reported that the item was stripped from a car in High Street by a group of six men. Our inquiries in the area continue.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has footage or any information that may help the investigation should call the police on 101.