Police are appealing for information following a robbery and an attempted robbery at shops in Wickford and Basildon

A man went into the Co-op in St Peters Terrace, Wickford at around 7.20am today (July 16), tried to force open a till before being confronted by a member of staff and then making off. Nothing was taken.

Later a man went into the Martins shop in Whitmore Way, Basildon, threatened a member of staff with a chisel before stealing cigarettes and a three-figure sum from the till. 

He then made off in the direction of the Jolly Fryer pub, then up the stairs in the flats above the parade of shops. 

Officers are investigating whether or not the incidents are linked. 

The man has been described to police as white, slim, 5ft 9ins tall, wearing a dark coloured piece of fabric over his face with eyeholes cut out, a dark blue fleece, blue jeans and dark trainers. 

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Dc Jodie Kinsley at Basildon CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.