Armed robbers have stolen cash from a Co-op in Heybridge for the third time in just over two months.

Three men wielding a crowbar and a hammer robbed the Co-op on Lawling Avenue, in Heybridge, shortly before 8.10pm yesterday evening (Wednesday, 17 November).

The men, who all had their faces covered, threatened staff with the crowbar and hammer before fleeing with cash and cigarettes.

They left the area in a grey BMW which did not have a registration plate on it.

No one in the store was seriously injured.

The other Co-op in Heybridge, on Wood Road, was closed following the robbery as a precaution, with security guards in attendance.

Officers from Essex Police attended the scene, but no arrests have been made so far and enquiries are continuing.

Detectives from the Chelmsford and Maldon Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are leading the investigation, which is looking at whether the incident is linked to previous robberies at this store and other Co-op stores.

The Co-op on Lawling Avenue was robbed just over a month ago by three men armed with an axe and a crowbar.

This followed the armed robbery at the Co-op on Wood Road in September, which left a female member of staff injured.

Chief Inspector Rob Huddleston, of the north local policing area, said: "I understand this incident will be naturally causing concern within the community.

"We have had officers working through the night to establish the circumstances behind the robbery and to closely examine the similarities between this incident and other live investigations.

"There will be an increased policing presence in the area today and in the coming days."

He added: "We would also like anyone with doorbell or dashcam footage of the Lawling Avenue and Glebe Road areas to come forward and speak to us if they have not already done so.

"Likewise, if anyone witnessed this incident but has yet to speak to us, please come forward."

A spokesperson for the East of England Co-op said: "We're supporting our colleagues involved in this distressing incident and are working closely with the police who are taking these incidents incredibly seriously.

"If anyone knows anything we ask that they please contact the police or Crimestoppers anonymously.

"Only by working together can we bring these perpetrators to justice."

Anyone with information, pictures or footage of the incident is advised to call Essex Police on 101 and cite incident 1015 of November 17.

You can also submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk or use the Live Chat button to speak to an online operator between 7am and 11pm.

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