A MAN robbed a convenience store by storming in and hitting the till with a hammer.

CCTV images have been released of the suspect following the robbery at a Costcutter store in London Road, Westcliff in the early hours of this morning.

He managed to get away with hundreds of pounds.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "It was reported a man had cycled up to the store in London Road at 3.40am today.

"He went into the store and attempted to gain access to the till, leaning over the counter and hitting it with a hammer.

"The man then made off with a tray to the till which held a three-figure sum of cash.

"It is believed he may have made off on a bicycle down West Road.

"We are issuing a CCTV image of a man we want to speak to in connection with the incident."

If anyone recognises the man or has any other information they should contact police on101 quoting incident 116 of January 4.

People can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.