A 57-year-old man punched a robber in the face after he tried to hold up a shop with a knife.

A man entered Panfield Lane Stores shortly after 1pm on Thursday.

He threatened a shop assistant with a blade and demanded they hand over money.

However he was punched in the face by the 57-year-old shop owner and fled the scene towards Towerlands.

The would-be robber was white, medium build, aged in his 30s and approximately 5ft 6 inches tall.

He was wearing a dark hoodie, dark jeans, sunglasses and white trainers.

Investigating Officer, Dc Alan Lewis, said: "As this man was wearing sunglasses on a rainy day, he would have stood out especially as he ran away.

“We were unable to find him, but we’re sure someone would have seen him hiding and can even give us his name from his habits and description provided.”

Police searched the area following the incident but were unable to find the man.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact Chelmsford police station on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.