AN 11-year-old girl robbed of her cash as she waited to pay at a shop.

The youngster was in a queue at a store in Thelma Avenue, Canvey - believed to be the Premier Stop and Shop Convenience Store - when she was distracted by someone.

A small amount of cash - thought to be a £10 or £20 note - was taken from her hand by someone, who then quickly left the shop.

The youngster was not injured.

Tony Belford, Canvey town councillor for the south ward, said: “My sympathies with the victim and I hope the police do something positive to catch the person responsible.”

He told the Echo that is not aware of previous incidents of this kind.

Essex Police is appealing for witnesses following the theft.

An spokesman for the force said: “Police are investigation following a theft in Canvey.

“The victim, an 11 year-old girl, had gone into a shop in Thelma Avenue at around 11.20am on Sunday, June 11.

“She was waiting to pay when someone distracted her and took a two-figure sum of cash from her hand before making off out of the store.

“No-one was injured.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Essex Police on 101 quoting incident 450 of June 11 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

No description of the suspect has been released by police.

It is believed that the incident was captured on the store CCTV cameras and that the footage has been passed to police for investigation.

There have been a number of thefts from shops on Canvey recently, although there is no indication they are linked.

Three woman stole more than £500 worth of homemade children’s clothes from Pinkies Crafter’s Cavern, in the High Street, on Friday while the shop assistant was distracted.

Gary Brown, 41, who owns CC Clothing, in Canvey High Street, was left more than £130 out of pocket after distraction thieves stole two pairs of Calvin Klein jeans last Thursday.

The Echo was unable to get hold of the Premier Stop and Shop Convenience Store.