POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a robber rammed a store in Essex before brandishing a handgun and escaping with cash.At about 3am today, a man in a small blue car, believed to be a Vauxhall Corsa, repeatedly drove into the main doors of the BP Express store, off Mountnessing roundabout, in Chelmsford Road, Shenfield.

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a robber rammed a store in Essex before brandishing a handgun and escaping with cash.

At about 3am today, a man in a small blue car, believed to be a Vauxhall Corsa, repeatedly drove into the main doors of the BP Express store, off Mountnessing roundabout, in Chelmsford Road, Shenfield.

He then got out of the car, wearing a balaclava, and entered the store, carrying a small handgun and a knife.

A woman employee locked herself in the back room of the store and raised an alarm while he took the money from the till and left in his car.

The robber is described as being medium height with a slim build.

Officers are looking for any witnesses to the robbery or anyone who saw the car before or after the incident.

Those who have information should call Brentwood CID on 01277 262212.