AN investigation has been launched by a police force after money and cigarettes were taken from a supermarket during a terrifying armed robbery.

Essex Police were called to the East of England Co-op, in Old Heath Road, Colchester, at 6.30pm on Sunday following reports of a concerning incident.

It was soon established two men, including one brandishing a crowbar, had entered the store, where one worker was on his very first shift, and threatened staff.

They subsequently made-off with an undisclosed quantity of cash and cigarettes but nobody inside the shop was seriously injured.

READ MORE: 'Masked thugs armed with crowbars' raid Colchester Co-op

According to nearby residents, including Matthew Graham, 37, who lives opposite, the latest robbery marks the second time in six months the same Co-op has been hit.

A spokesman for Essex Police has now urged members of the public who may have information or witnessed the armed robbery to contact the force.

He said: “Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and quote crime reference 42/13445/22 or you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“If you have any information, you can also submit a report online at essex.police.uk or use the Live Chat button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.”