Police appeal after two attempted armed robberies in Brentwood

Police are appealing for information after two incidents where a handgun was used during attempted armed robberies in Brentwood.

Both happened on Sunday, December 16; the first was in Warley Food and Wine, in Warley Hill at 2.30pm when a man took a handgun from his trousers before demanding money from the till. No money was stolen.

The second was in Rose Valley, Brentwood, at 4.30pm when a man attempted to steal a woman’s shoulder bag. The man showed his gun and struggled to take the bag. It broke but was not taken after he was disturbed by a passer by.

PC James Smith of Loughton CID said: “Both incidents are suspected to be linked due to the suspect’s description being very similar in both incidents and the fact both victims state the man produced a handgun.

“Both incidents would have been very frightening for the victims and thankfully neither was hurt. I am keen to hear from anyone who has any information as soon as possible.”

The man was described as white, aged 16 to 20, and of slim build. In the first incident he was wearing a blue hooded top, a scarf over his face and grey jogging bottoms.

In the second he was wearing a black woolly hat, dark-coloured top and dark-coloured tracksuit bottoms.

He has blue eyes, brown eyebrows, wore black gloves and a bandana and spoke with a deep voice in an Essex accent.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Smith on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.