A shop owner fought off a man who tried to rob a newsagent in Benfleet.

The man, described as white with black messy hair, aged between 28 and 30, assaulted the owner, punching him in the head and chest.

It happened just before 5pm yesterday at Shree News in High Road.

The suspect tried to open the till but smashed it on the floor.

When the man tried to take cigarettes from behind the counter he was stopped by the store owner.

The suspect is believed to be about 5ft 6in tall and is thought to have had an Irish accent.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Keith Draycott at Southend police station on 101.

People can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org