AN "armed gang" has got away with hundreds of thousands of pounds after targeting a security van outside a supermarket.

A Loomis security van was targeted at Asda in Highfields Road, Witham, as it was unloading cash for the ATM. 

The guards were deliveringthe cash when they were approached by three men, all wearing balaclavas, who demanded they hand over the money.

One of the suspects is believed to have been armed with a shotgun.

The guards handed over hundreds of thousands of pounds and the suspects fled the scene in a black 4 x 4 vehicle, possibly a BMW X6.

No shots were fired and no-one was injured.

Armed officers were sent to the scene and carried out a search of the area. The search for the suspects is continuing.

Police remain at the scene. Asda is currently closed and the area around the supermarket remains cordoned off.

Senior Investigating Officer Det Chief Insp Stuart Smith of the Essex and Kent Serious Crime Directorate said: "This robbery happened at a busy time of morning when the supermarket was open and lots of people were going about their daily business.

"If you saw this incident, or anything suspicious in the moments leading up to the robbery, then please contact us if you haven’t already.

"Equally if you saw this incident and have footage or photographs we would also be keen to speak to you.

"We understand this incident was extremely frightening, not only for those involved, but also for members of the public who witnessed it.

"Essex Police would like to reassure the public that our officers will be working around the clock to catch those responsible for this armed robbery and when, not if, we catch them they will face the full force of the law.”

Carl Courtney, a spokesman for Loomis Security, said: "We won't be talking about the loss at this time, it will take a while to be calculated."

Resident Kate Booker said: "I have left Asda, they are waiting on police.

"The girls that work there were all out the back.

"It was shut and there was a security van outside, so I asked if they will be shut long and they said they were waiting for police to arrive."

Braintree and Witham Times:

Update 11.10am:

Witnesses have spoken of their shock at the incident. 

One man said: "My wife came around this morning to go to Asda but she could not get in the car park. It must have been between half eight and nine

"We have had the Halifax robbery and a spate of burglaries. The level of crime is going mad.

"I think it is the overall policing. You can easily get out of Witham into the country and so they see it as an opportunity."

Another witness said: "I had a man knock at my door this morning and he said that armed police are out everywhere because Asda was held up. I didn't realise it was this bad

"There is a lot of spates of crime going on and for such a small town they are not really thinking about it. Hopefully they will be caught."

Police were contacted at 8.40am today, Wednesday December 14, following reports that two security guards were robbed at gunpoint.

Witnesses should contact 101. 

Any members of the public who may have Dash-Cam footage are also asked to contact Essex Police on 101.