POLICE are investigating a robbery at the Co-op store on High Street, Stanford-le-Hope, where several men entered the shop and stole a significant amount of cigarretes and alcohol from shelves behind trhe counter.

A statement issued today (Sunday, 30 April) by Essex Police says: "We are investigating a robbery at a Co-op store in Stanford-le-Hope.

"It was reported three men went into the store in High Street at around 9.30pm yesterday (Saturday 29 April).

"They proceeded to put hundreds of pounds worth of alcohol and cigarettes into bags before leaving.

"It was also reported one of the men was seen in possession of a knife.

"We are also aware of a video on social media relating to this incident.

"We are working to identify the men involved in the incident and need anyone with any information to come forward."

The video was taken by a Stanford resident who was one of a number of shoppers in the in the store at the time and it was published on social media.

It can be viewed below.

Meanwhile police say anyone who can help them in their investigation is asked to contact them. An appeal says: "If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

"Please quote incident 1511 of 29 April.

"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.

Earlier this month an attempted robbery took place at the Co-op store at Socketts Heath in Grays. That case is still being investigated by police and a 16-year-old boy is due to answer bail on Saturday, 6 May.