A robber picked up a pair of tights in a Braintree store and put them over his head before stealing money.

The man entered Alldays in Mountbatten Road on Thursday at about 4pm.

After asking where he could find a pair of tights, he disappeared from view before reappearing with the tights over his head and demanded money from the till.

The teenage assistant on duty was not injured.

Police confirmed no weapons were seen during the raid.

Det Sgt Angela Falp, leading the inquiry, said: "The cashier said the man smelled very strongly of alcohol. We are looking for people to come forward who may have seen someone drinking nearby.

"The man made serious threats to the assistant and she was so frightened she handed over the cash."

The man is described as white, 6ft 1in tall, with dark short hair and of stocky build. He wore blue jeans.

Alldays stores said the shop operated a CCTV system and that a video tape had been forwarded on to police.

Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information regarding the theft should call Braintree police on 01376 551312 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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