A PETROL station worker was robbed of thousands of pounds at knifepoint by a masked man.

The robber used a black ski mask to cover his face and armed himself with a kitchen knife when he entered Bell Corner Service Station in Stanford-le-Hope.

Police say the armed robber approached the cashier, a man in his 30s, and demanded money at the petrol station in Southend Road, Fobbing, at 1am on February 24.

The terrified victim managed to escape to a secure part of the shop where the robber couldn't get to him.A three-figure sum of cash was stolen, along with a till, which was later found abandoned in Dry Street, Basildon.

DC David Wilkinson, of Essex Police, said: “Thankfully the worker managed to get to a place of safety and is shaken but unharmed by the whole ordeal.

"The till was recovered in Dry Street, Basildon, which means that the suspect probably made his escape in a vehicle."

Cops described the suspect as a white man of medium build, who is about 5ft 8ins tall.

He was wearing dark clothing, black gloves and a black ski mask.

Anyone with any information on the robbery can call the Thurrock target offender team on 101.

Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.