Residents have spoken of their shock after a man wielding a metal bar demanded workers had over cash and cigarettes during a robbery at a corner shop.

The crook, who covered his face with a grey mask, went into the Co-op in Cross Road, Maldon, at 7.50pm on Monday.

He threatened staff with the metal bar before making off with hundreds of pounds and cigarettes.

No-one was injured in the incident.

The man has been described as white, aged in his 30s and of stocky build.

He is about 6ft tall and has blue eyes, and wore a black waterproof jacket, jeans and black shoes.

Shocked residents leaving nearby said they were concerned about the incident.

Mamun Miah, 28, of Cross Road, said: “I’ve been here 12 years but it’s starting to make me think that Maldon is not as nice as it seems to be.

“It’s worrying really. I can’t believe that Maldon has got like this.

“It’s not nice. If it’s happening here on my doorstep then there’s a chance it could happen to my home.”

John Aldridge, 65, of Mundon Road, added: “We don’t feel that threatened but we do feel annoyed.

“It must have been terrifying for the staff. It’s a shame because it is a lovely little community shop. Everyone’s really nice around here. It makes me angry that they get away with it.”

One businessman who lives in Mill Road said: “It’s ridiculous but I try not to worry about it.

“We shop over there every day.

“The sad thing is people just accept it as the norm.”

Mayor Jeanette Stilts said: “As mayor, I’m sorry to hear that this has happened.

“I also feel sorry for the staff.

“It is very disturbing for something like this to happen and it is something we need to look into.”

A spokesman for the Co-op said it was supporting the staff involved and urged people with information to come forward.

Witnesses should contact the Maldon local policing team on 101 quoting reference 42/135178/18 or Crimestoppers on 0800555111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org.