A SHOPKEEPER was left in fear after getting caught up in an armed robbery at a Laindon newsagents in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Officers received reports of a man entering Martin’s, at Laindon Shopping Centre, Laindon, and claiming he was in possession of a firearm at 6.35am.

The robber showed a member of staff what has been described as the handle of a black handgun, which was tucked into the suspect’s trouser belt.

The man then left with a number of items, including cigarettes and food, towards London Road.

An Essex Police statement read: “Police are appealing for information about a robbery at Martin’s at the Laindon Centre, Laindon, at around 6.35am.

“Officers received reports that a man came into the store and claimed he was in possession of a firearm.

“He has been described as being black, around 6ft tall, aged in his mid-20s and was a wearing a beige hooded top, light blue jeans and white trainers.”

Police rushed quickly to the scene of the crime but were unable to locate the suspect described.

Essex Police’s enquiries are ongoing.

The shocking armed robbery left fellow shopkeepers worried for their safety.

Jan Hudson, who works in the nearby Pints ‘n’ Litres convenience store, admitted that the incident resulted in bad memories flooding back.

Jan, of Laindon, said: “I am always weary of what’s going on and who comes into the shop.

“I was held up by a knife on a Saturday night 10 years ago, so I am always cautious now.

“It’s scary that these types of things happen and I don’t understand why someone would rob a shop, let alone in the early hours.”

Jan lives close to Martin’s and is a regular customer at the newsagents.

The 54-year-old admits that she heard a helicopter flying over her home at the time the armed robbery took place, but she was unaware of what had happened.

“I heard the helicopter going overhead because I live only over the road,” she added.

“I didn’t know what was going on at that stage.

“But I went into Martin’s before work, like I do every day on the way in, to get the newspaper.

“I found out what happened and I feel sorry for the person that was working at the time, who I think was the manager.”

Essex Police would like to hear from anyone who has information, saw anything suspicious or has dash cam footage at around the time of the incident.

If you have any information, call Basildon CID on 101 quoting crime reference 42/45368/18.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.