A SHOPKEEPER was threatened and robbed at knifepoint. 

Police have launched an investigation after it was reported that a man and woman entered a shop in Southchurch Road just before 9pm on Friday.

The woman is believed to have distracted the shopkeeper as the man tried to gain access to the till.

When he was unsuccessful, the man threatened the shopkeeper with a knife.

The couple left the store with hundreds of pounds in cash.

Officers attended and spoke to the shopkeeper. He was unharmed but very shaken.

Police the conducted a thorough search of the area.

Detectives are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the pair in the town centre before or after the incident.

The woman has been described as white, carried white shopping bags and was around 5ft 6ins tall with dark hair. It is believed she wore black leggings and a red jacket.

The victim described the man as being 6ft tall and wearing a black tracksuit.

Anyone with information about this incident, or who may have driven through Southchurch Road at around this time and has dash cam available to view, is asked to call Southend CID on 101. The crime reference number to quote is 42/73247/19.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers in complete confidence on 0800 555 111 or submit an anonymous report on their website.