A PETROL station in Corringham was held up at gun-point before robbers made away with hundreds of pounds.

Two men entered the shop of the Total garage on Church Road at 9.35pm on Thursday.

The thieves, one wielding a gun, threatened the member of staff on duty and ordered him to open the till.

They grabbed hundreds of pounds in cash, a bundle of cigarettes and scratch cards before making their getaway in a white Ford Focus.

Police have described the gunman, who was wearing a grey Adidas hoody, as white, aged between 45 and 55, about five-foot-seven inches tall and of slim build.

The second man was wearing a mask with eye and mouth holes. He was about five-foot-seven inches and slim. He was wearing a black jacket and black trousers.

The get away car has been described as "shiny" and "new-looking".

Detectives are appealing for anyone with information to contact Grays Serious Crime Team on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.