Two men who tried to rob a newsagent in Rayleigh armed with a gun and an axe have been jailed for a total of more than 12 years.

Alan Ingram and David Sweet went into M&S Confectioners in London Road at around 7am on Sunday, January 7 wearing hooded tops and balaclavas.

Ingram was armed with a black handgun and Sweet had an axe.

They demanded money from a member of staff and Ingram grabbed her arm.

When the member of staff refused and was able to push a panic alarm, Ingram and Sweet left the shop empty handed.

In the early hours of Wednesday, January 10 police executed a warrant at an address in London Road, Rayleigh, where both men were arrested.

Clothes worn during the incident as well as the handgun and axe were found at the property and they were charged the following day.

A full print of Ingram’s palm was also recovered from a pot of lollipops inside the shop and a print of a ring from his left hand was also recovered from a newspaper on the shop’s counter.

Ingram, 27, of London Road, Rayleigh and Sweet, 36, of Helmores, Basildon admitted attempted robbery at hearings at Basildon Crown Court in February and May.

At the same court, Ingram was jailed for six years and nine months while Sweet was sentenced to five years and six months.

Investigating officer Dc Andrew Coles, from Southend CID, said: “Alan Ingram and David Sweet went to M&S Confectionary armed and with the intention of stealing cash. This was completely unacceptable.

“The bravery of the member of staff to refuse their demands and the quick thinking to press the alarm meant they fled without being able to take anything.

“No-one should be in a position where they face the threat of possible violence, let alone while at their place of work and I’d like to praise the courage of the member of staff.”