POLICE are hunting an armed knifeman who threatened shop staff and stole cash.

A teenage suspect robbed two shops within 30 minutes.

Eastwood Convenience Store, Rayleigh Road, was robbed at around 7.30pm before carrying out a robbery in Cambridge News, in Eastwood Road North, just before 8pm, on Tuesday night.

The suspect left the scene with cash.

Officers have released an image of a man who may have information which could help them.

Det Con Glen Crosby, of Southend CID, said: “We were quickly alerted about these robberies and carried out a search, however, we were unable to locate the suspect.

“Fortunately no one was injured but the victims were left shaken by their ordeals.

“We would like to locate the person shown pictured here in our CCTV. “We understand there were people waiting outside and we are trying to establish whether they are witnesses or suspects.

The incidents have sent shockwaves through the community, with residents speaking out about their fears.

Others are demanding more is done to catch this man.

Julie Banks, 44, of Park Avenue, Eastwood said: “This is absolutely appalling and unacceptable behaviour.

“It must have been so scary for the workers in the shops, I can’t imagine what they went through.

“We cannot stand for this and we’ve got to send a strong message that anyone who does this is dealt with by the courts.

“I hope police catch who did this and throw the book at them.

“Our shopkeepers are working hard to earn a living and some awful person like this comes along and takes it away.”

Paul Clary, 57, of Eastwood said: “I know these shops and their staff and feel so sorry for them.

“We simply cannot have people going about and doing this, the fact the person targeted two shops in the short space of time shows they meant business.

“I hope the workers are not too badly shaken and or out of pocket.

“It could take them some time to build that money up and that’s a shame.

“To take away someone’s livelihood is pretty callous.

Officers are now appealing for witnesses and anyone with any information about the man to come forward.

We would urge anyone with information to call Southend CID on 101 quoting incidents 1019 and 1056 of 14/01.