Terrifying images of a gunman have been released by police hoping to track down an armed robber who left a female Ladbrokes worker "scarred for life."
The man walked into the store at around 8.25pm on Sunday (December 14) before threatening the staff member with what is believed to be a shotgun while demanding cash.
She then handed over £155 in cash from the from the till was given to the man and he then fled.
Police rushed to the scene and searched the area but no trace of the man was found.
The suspect is described as white, around 5ft 5in tall, of medium build and was wearing a green hooded top with a black scarf covering his face.
Detective Dan Smith said: "This was a traumatic experience for the member of staff; she could not have expected to have been faced by a masked man, pointing what appeared to be a shotgun directly at her demanding money.
"This violent incident has left the victim scared for her life and it will no doubt have a life-long effect on her, all for the sake of £155.
"There are people within the community who will know who committed this crime and we urge them to come forward and speak with us. While you cannot see the man's face in these stills I suspect there are people who will still recognise him from his clothing.
Anyone with information should contact Chelmsford CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or they can contact the charity through its anonymous online form at www. crimestoppers-uk.org.
No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not have to go to court.
