A WOMAN was threatened with what is believed to be a gun during an attempted armed robbery on Canvey.

The victim was approached on the sea wall near Western Esplanade and Thorney Bay beach at about 12.45pm today by a man who threatened her with a weapon.

She refused to hand anything over and the suspect ran off towards Thorney Bay Caravan Park.

Officers and the police helicopter searched the area for the suspect but he could not be found.

Before the robbery, the victim had seen the suspect sitting on a bench near the sea wall, talking on a phone.

The suspect is described as white, aged in his twenties, about 5ft 4in tall, with a slight build.

He was wearing dark clothing and a baseball cap, with a scarf covering his lower face.

The victim was not hurt during the robbery, but has been described by police as “feeling very shaken up”.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to call Southend CID on 101.