POLICE are today hunting armed robbers who struck at an Essex Co-op.

POLICE are today hunting armed robbers who struck at an Essex Co-op.

Three men, aged in their mid-30s and wearing balaclavas, armed with a hammer and possibly a firearm, took cash from the East of England Co-op in Lawling Avenue in Heybridge, near Maldon, last night.

They struck just before 9pm when they forced an employee to open a safe.

Two men were wearing balaclavas and one a brown hoodie.

Anyone with information should call Maldon Police on 01621 852255 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.