A thug armed with a bat demanded money from staff during a robbery at a village convenience store.

The man entered the Co-op store, in Regent Street, Rowhedge, shortly after 7.50pm on Tuesday evening.

He demanded money and fled with an unknown amount of cash and alcohol.

He was seen fleeing toward High Street and the sea wall.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We carried out a search of the area and enquiries are ongoing to find him.

“He was described as aged about 50, of mixed heritage, about 5ft 10 and of stocky build.

“He wore a dark grey hooded coat, light grey hoodie and jeans.”

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Colchester CID on 101, quoting reference 42/181535/18.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or use the form online at Crimestoppers-uk.org.