Police want to hear from anyone with information about a robbery which took place in Corringham on Saturday, January 31.
Officers were called at 9.45pm to reports of a robbery at the Co-op store in Gardner Avenue.
Two teenage boys forced a staff member to hand over money from the till after hitting a member of the public with a hammer, causing minor head injuries.
The boys then ran off in the direction of Southend Road. Officers searched the area for the suspects and the helicopter and dog unit also assisted but no trace of the suspects was found.
Enquiries continue to locate the boys who are described as wearing dark tracksuits with their faces covered. One is described as black, of slim build and tall. The other is white.
Police are linking the robbery with a similar incident which happened at 7.40pm at the Post Office in Hathaway Road, Grays.
A black man threatened staff with a hammer before running off in the direction of Wallace Road, empty-handed.
The suspect was described as around 6 ft tall, wearing dark clothing and a scarf covering his face.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Pc Charlotte Davis at Grays Police Station on 101 or ring Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
