SHOP staff were threatened and pushed by robbers who snatched money and cigarettes worth more than £1,000.

Police are appealing for information to trace three suspects after a robbery at the Co-op store in Old Heath Road, Colchester.

Officers were called out to the shop shortly before 9pm yesterday after three men threatened staff.

Two members of staff were pushed and the suspects left with money and cigarettes worth a four figure sum.

Witnesses reported seeing the trio run towards Cavendish Avenue before getting into a car, which was last seen driving towards Barn Hall Avenue.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "One of the suspects wore a green hoodie, black puffer jacket, grey jogging bottoms and grey trainers.

"The second wore a black balaclava, grey hoodie, black jogging bottoms, black gloves and black trainers.

"The third wore a green balaclava, green hoodie or coat, black jogging bottoms and black trainers."

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A spokesperson for the East of England Co-op, said: “I can confirm that an armed robbery took place at our store on Old Heath Road, Colchester yesterday evening.

“Protecting our colleagues and customers is something we take very seriously and we’re working closely with police to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

“We’re supporting our colleagues involved in this distressing incident and would urge anyone with any information on this incident, or any other, to please contact Essex police or call Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Anyone with information or footage of the raid should contact Colchester CID on 101, quoting reference 42/229698/21.

Information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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