A MASKED gang held up a convenience store at knifepoint.

Three men, one armed with a knife, held up convenience store Bartletts, in Eastwoodbury Crescent, Southend, at about 10pm on Friday.

The thugs threatened staff and forced them to lie on the floor as they took cigarettes, a bottle of vodka and chocolate bars.

No one was injured but the staff were left badly shaken.

The man with the knife was described as being skinny, about 5ft 7in tall and wearing a black long-sleeved jacket, denim jeans and black trainers.

He was carrying a black rucksack and wearing black gloves. He was also wearing a black crash helmet.

The second man as of medium build and was wearing a navy blue long-sleeved hooded jumper with black jacket over the top, black jeans, black trainers and black gloves. He had a scarf over his mouth and was carrying a blue and black rucksack.

A third man was wearing a red baseball cap with the word “Monster” of it.

Anyone with information should contact the investigating officer PC Michelle Matson at Southend CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.