Police are still searching for a balaclava-clad cyclist who is believed to have threatened a driver with a handgun.

A car driver was approached by the cyclist in Bank Street, Braintree, when he was sitting in the car with his friend.

The bike rider said nothing and pointed the weapon at him.

The car driver managed to drive off immediately and the cyclist rode away in the incident at 10.40pm on June 16.

DS Pete McCormack said: "This all happened very quickly and we only have sketchy details of the offender and we cannot be sure if a man or woman was involved.

"The victim was sitting in a car with a friend and a few other friends were standing beside the vehicle.

“As the car drove away, those on foot sought refuge nearby.

"The cyclist was wearing Army-style camouflage clothing and boots and a balaclava.

“The witnesses noticed that the offender had white skin which they could see through the eye holes of the balaclava.

"We want to hear from anyone who has information about the incident or anyone who knows a person who rides a gent’s mountain bike and has Army-style camouflage clothing.”

Armed police and the police helicopter were called to the scene after the incident was reported but there was no trace of the suspect.

It is not yet known whether the weapon was real or imitation.

Anyone with information should contact Braintree CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.