A MASKED knife gang tried to smash their way into a takeaway just as hundreds held a candlelit vigil after an MP was stabbed to death.

The thugs attempted to get into Eastwood Takeaway, Bridgwater Drive, Westcliff on Saturday evening.

Shocking footage showed a man with a large knife kicking a window violently at the shop.

It happened just 24 hours after the murder of Sir David Amess MP on Friday, at Belfairs Methodist Church in Eastwood Road North in Leigh.

Worried staff from the business took to social media to apologise to anyone who witnessed the incident.

The videos show two men who were dressed in black with hoods up and wearing masks over their faces and one repeatedly kicked the window while waving around a large knife.

The bosses posted the shocking video of the incident on their Facebook page. Senior councillors slammed the thugs for their “unacceptable behaviour.”

Martin Terry, Independent councillor for public protection, said: “This is a continuation of the unacceptable behaviour we saw in our community last weekend.

“This incident is pretty nasty in light of the sad death of Sir David and I am sure police are doing all they can on this incident.

“Hopefully these people will be dealt with as we cannot have weapons and this type of violence in our community.

“Everyone should be able to go about their business without being targeted, we’ve seen it with Sir David and also now with this business.”

The firm was targeted just as hundreds joined together for a candlelit vigil at Belfairs Park for the popular politician.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We are investigating following reports of a number of people with weapons in Bridgwater Drive, Westcliff at 7.50pm on 16 October.

“If you have any information you can submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk or use the ‘Live Chat’ button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.” Call police on 101 and quote the crime reference 42/232660/21.