One of Essex’s most senior detectives has issued a message of reassurance after a gunman went on the loose in Wivenhoe and an armed gang stole cash from a security van at a Witham supermarket.
Balaclava-clad raiders stole a six-figure sum of cash from a van parked outside Asda in Witham were still on the run last night – and so was the gunman being hunted by police after a raid in Wivenhoe on Tuesday.
Now Assistant Chief Constable Steve Worron is urging the public to be vigilant.
He said: “I am aware that the people of Wivenhoe and Witham, and the wider Essex public, will be concerned at these two incidents involving firearms.
“In the case of the Wivenhoe incident, we have no information to suggest that the individual we are seeking poses a risk to members of the public. We would ask residents to be vigilant and alert, but not alarmed and to go about their daily business as usual.
“In relation to the armed robbery in Witham, we understand this was frightening for those involved and the members of the public present, however again we have no information to suggest that the men responsible pose any further threat to the public.”
The two firearms incidents – which took place within hours of each other – have sparked a rapid police response today with senior detectives moving to reassure concerned members of the public.
Streets in Wivenhoe were placed on lockdown, roads were closed and people were told to stay indoors as reports a gunman was on the loose flooded the town on Tuesday night.
Police confirmed a man believed to be holding a gun had escaped from an address in Stanley Road after a break-in at around 9.35pm.
Just hours later shoppers at the Highfields Road Asda in Witham were exposed to an “extremely frightening” sight as three balaclava-clad men stole cash from a security van parked outside, police said.
Two security guards were robbed at gunpoint causing officers to race to the shop – which was subsequently shut by staff at around 8.40am today.
The three men, one of whom was believed to be armed with a shotgun, demanded the guards hand over a six-figure sum of cash.
They fled the supermarket in a black 4x4 vehicle, thought to be BMW X6 – but no shots were fired and no-one was injured.
Armed officers were sent to the scene and searched the area. The suspects’ car has since been seized, but police are still hunting for the men.
Frightened Wivenhoe residents spoke of their shock at such an incident happening in their town.
One, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “It’s really frightening a gunman could be on the loose, this is just a quiet little place.
“I’ve been told there has been a series of burglaries. It’s worrying. We don’t even have a police station.”
Wivenhoe mayor Asa Aldis said the atmosphere in the town was one of “uneasiness”.
He said he was in “disbelief” that such an “alarming” incident could happen in Wivenhoe, just days after a man was locked up for killing a man in the town.
“I am shocked by this incident and am still in disbelief.
“It is alarming to have a gunman running around in the town.
“But I would like to praise the police for the fantastic response they gave, they have been in the town centre today with their dog unit reassuring residents.
“It’s scary as its only a few days since the man was jailed for killing Paul Olney in Wivenhoe this summer.”
Witham MP Priti Patel said she would like to see those responsible for today’s armed robbery “put behind bars”.
“This incident is a serious crime and must have been very shocking to the staff and witnesses present,” she said.
“The criminals responsible must be caught and put behind bars. Anyone with information should come forward and notify the police.”
Call Essex Police on 101 with information about either incident.
Those in immediate danger or who spot anything suspicious should call 999.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here