A thief dived over a shop counter to steal a large amount of tobacco while a woman was working right next to him.

The man was caught on CCTV entering the corner shop in Southchurch Avenue, Southend, near to the junction with York Road when he stole around £80 of tobacco.

A woman who works at the shop with her husband was away from the counter when he entered.

He looked to see if the woman was looking before jumping over the counter and swiping some tobacco.

He immediately ran out of the shop before the woman was able to get up and confront him.

The man is described as being white with short hair, wearing a red Nike t shirt and jeans with tattoos on his right arm, he was around 6ft2in tall.

An appeal has been launched by Essex Police for any one with information to come forward.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "A man entered a supermarket in Southchurch Avenue, Southend, at 9.25am on May 28, reached over the counter and stole two packets of tobacco.

"The crime reference number is 42/74130/18."

If you have any information regarding the incident, you are encouraged to call Essex Police on 101.