A man with a knife attempted to rob a convenience store in Braintree.

Officers from Essex Police were called to McColls, in Panfield Lane, at around 6am on Sunday.

A man armed with a knife has entered the store and demanded cash from staff.

The suspect held the knife against his own body and then left the shop empty handed in the direction of Braintree town centre.

He did not threaten the workers inside.

The man with the knife is described as being in his early 40s, around 5ft 5ins tall and of a slim build.

His face is described as being drawn, or tired, and he was unshaven.

He wore a dark coloured coat.

Anyone with information has been asked to call Braintree police station on 101 quoting crime reference 42/81221/18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.