POLICE have launched a fresh appeal for information about an attempted armed robbery on Canvey.

Two thugs targeted Bargain Booze, in Long Road, on December 23, at 9.30pm While one man waited outside and guarded the door, the other entered the shop and threatened staff with a knife.

He demanded money, but the shop worker, who was repairing a door at the time, threw a spanner and the suspects fled empty-handed.

PC Ben Freeman, of Southend CID, said: “One suspect ran down Long Road towards the King Canute pub and the other ran into Grassmere Road.

“The suspect who ran into Grassmere then ran towards the town centre.

“Both of them were wearing black beanie-type hats, with black scarves over their faces and gloves.

“One of them was wearing a purple jacket and jeans, the other a black jumper and grey jogging bottoms.”

Both suspects are white and in their late teens.

Anyone with information can call PC Freeman at Southend CID on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.