MEN armed with hammers raided a phone shop in Colchester city centre, prompting the police now appealing to the public for more information.

The incident took place at 4pm on Thursday, December 14 when three men entered the 3 Store in Culver Walk, taking mobile phones and damaging stock before leaving the premises shortly afterwards.

Essex Police has said are now investigating and working establish who the men are and their movements before and after the incident.

Vinnie Geaves, the business crime liaison officer for Our Colchester, said such incidents are rare and added that security from Lion Walk were able to respond and prevent the men from injuring anyone inside the store.

He said: “This method of crime is very alarming to see in the city of Colchester – we are more used to seeing this type of event in the nation’s capital.

“Fortunately, for Colchester this is a very rare occurrence.

“I applaud the recent work that Essex police community team have been doing and they will continue to have a visual presence in the city.”

Mr Geaves also thanked the CCTV operators from Lion Walk, Culver Square, and Colchester Council, with footage being submitted to Essex Police as part of the authority’s investigations.

He continued: “The staff at the venue must have been very alarmed, but they did everything to alert the necessary support.

“Lion Walk security where able to respond and assist the police with their response and early investigative opportunities.

“Please contribute to the investigation with any information you may have to Essex Police or by contacting Crimestoppers”.

Essex Police echoed the appeal by urging anyone with any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to the incident to contact the police on 111or by using the live chat service on the Essex Police website.

The crime reference number for the incident is 42/221236/23.

A Three spokesperson said they too are assisting police with their inquiries.

He said: "Criminals entered our Colchester Store and stole a small number of display iPhones.

"No staff or customers were harmed and we are supporting them following this distressing incident.

"We provide regular training safety to staff and we are assisting police with their enquiries."