Bungling thieves managed to drop £11,000 of loose change and notes in the car park of Gala Bingo in Pitsea after robbing the club of £13,000.

Three men wearing balaclavas burst into the bingo hall in the Broadway after forcing open the rear fire door.

They threatened staff with a knife, before forcing the manager to take them to the office, where they grabbed £13,000 in small change and notes.

They stuffed the cash in a trolley, normally used by the elderly to carry their shopping.

But it fell over as they escaped through the front fire door, spilling £11,000 of the haul in the car park.

Police believe exactly ten minutes after bursting into the bingo hall, the men then ran over to a woman parked in a blue Toyota Yaris, outside the Tesco Extra store, in Hazlemere.

They shouted at her to get out and threw her on the ground, before they jumped into the car, registration EA04 FPV, and drove off.

They escaped with just £2,000 of their £3,000 haul.

Police are looking at forensic evidence, CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses.

Investigating officer Det Con Steve Franklin said: "Gala Bingo halls have been targeted, not only in Essex but across the country recently.

"We would ask anyone with any information to come forward."

In an official statement, Gala Bingo said: "No one was hurt during the incident.

"The safety of Gala's staff and members is the company's number one priority.

"Only a small amount of money was taken.

"The police have requested all CCTV footage and are investigating the incident."

The club was open for business as usual yesterday.

Anyone with information about the raid, which happened at 9.38pm on Tuesday, can call police on 01268 532212.