A POP-UP escape room is set to take over Southend’s Victoria Shopping Centre as players try to fight off a terrorist invasion.

The team behind Escape Live Essex are running the team challenge inside the shopping centre over the Easter weekend.

‘Operation Mindfall’ will see teams meet special agents inside the shopping centre and be given a tablet to help them on their mission.

The agents have discovered a terrorist organisation who have developed a virus which infects the human brain, giving the terrorists full control over the victim’s mind.

Teams have just 60 minutes to find the antidote and stop them from unleashing chaos and destruction all over the globe.

Unlike other Escape Rooms, the aim won’t be to break out, but rather players will be asked to navigate the shopping centre, picking up clues,

Jennifer Larner, one of the owners behind Escape Live Essex, said the event is ideal for families looking for something different and fun to do.

She said: “My family love doing things together but sometimes it’s difficult to find something that everyone will love.

“That’s why we’ve put this experience together and are running it over Easter.

“The game uses some really cool elements of augmented reality which still amaze me when I see it.

“There’s loads of puzzles to solve and you need to find things all around the shopping centre.

“When I first played it, I really did feel like a spy.

“We hope that it brings families together and gives them a new option for some quality time together at an affordable price.”

Escape Live has a permanent base at 95 High Street, Southend, which initially opened early last year.

Since then, the firm has expanded, opening a number of additional rooms for players to enjoy.

Operation Mindfall can be played by teams of up to six players and is open to anyone aged eight and above, as long as there is an adult as part of the group.

It is only playable between tomorrow and Monday between 10am and 5pm.

Go to www.escapelive.co.uk, or call 01702 437337.