Three men have been arrested in connection with a robbery at a Southend betting shop.

A man entered Betfred in London Road at around 9.25pm on Wednesday, January 10 armed with what appeared to be a gun and stole a four-figure sum of cash.

Police stopped arrested three men yesterday, Thursday January 11.

A 42-year-old man from Southend was arrested on suspicion of robbery, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of class A drugs. A 42-year-old man from Basildon was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery and possession of an offensive weapon. A 49-year-old man from Southend was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery.

All three remain in custody for questioning.

Witnesses or anyone with information about the robbery are asked to contact Southend CID on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/4795/18. Alternatively, contact independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.