A 32-year-old man is being held in custody after a first court appearance following his arrest by off-duty police officers who intervened on a raid at a Chafford Hundred store.

The incident, involving three masked men in total,  happened at the Tesco at the Armada complex on Drake Road shortly before 7pm on Wednesday, 4 September.

Police were alerted and raced to the store but two off-duty officers were in the area and arrested Sharaz Aziz, of Fernie Road, Chigwell.

He was charged with burglary and assaulting an emergency worker.

He appeared at Southend-on-Sea Magistrates' Court on Friday, 6 September and has been remanded in custody pending a future court date.

Police investigations continue and Detective Inspector Richard Trower, of Grays CID, said: "We know this was a disturbing and frightening incident for both the staff and customers who witnessed and suffered these threats.

"They absolutely should not have to fall victim to incidents like this, which is why we are continuing a full and forensic investigation into this incident.

"I would ask anyone who may have any information to please reach out to us and get in touch.

"Any detail, no matter how small, could help us with our enquiries.

"Anyone with information should contact us as soon as possible. Please cite incident 1011 of 4 September. 

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. 

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111."