A police helicopter was tasked to search above Wickford after a man grabbed cash from a till at a BP garage.

The garage, in Cranfield Park Road, was targeted about 10.30pm last night, when a man approached the till and grabbed a handful of notes.

He then ran out.

Staff in the shop described him as wearing a black coat with the hood up so his face couldn't be seen.

The force helicopter conducted an area search but the man was not found.

Any witnesses or anyone with information can call Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.