DETECTIVES investigating a robbery at a Southend bank are appealing for the public’s help in finding this man.

Gary Horn, 59, from Southend, is alleged to have walked in to the Co-Op bank in London Road, Southend, shortly before 10am yesterday and threatened staff into handing over nearly £2,000 in cash.

They believed he had a gun although no weapon was seen. Nobody was injured but staff were left shaken after the incident. The suspect made off on foot.

Horn is described as 5ft 9ins tall, of medium build, has brown eyes, is right handed, bald and has a scar on his left and right arms. He is unemployed.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Police would urge anyone who has seen him to contact them on 101 immediately. He should not be approached.”

A spokesman for the Co-Op Bank said: “Following an incident at The Co-operative Bank in Southend yesterday, the branch had to close for a short period of time.

“We are pleased to confirm that no customers or colleagues came to any harm, and we are currently assisting the police with their investigations.”