CUSTOMERS were held inside a Loughton sub-office while robbers threatened staff and fled with hundreds of pounds.
Police believe three or four men were involved in the raid on Goldings Hill sub-post office, Lower Road.
They burst in wearing black hooded tops and something else, described as being like a gas mask, over their faces.
A police spokesman said two of the men jumped over the counter and grabbed a woman staff member around the neck while demanding money.
The spokesman added: "While the robbery was being carried out one of the men stood by the door stopping people from leaving. He did however let two people in who were are anxious to speak to."
One of the men was black and all were over 6ft tall. They spoke with Essex or London accents.
The woman was shaken but unhurt. No weapons were used in the robbery.
Anyone with any information about the raid, which happened at 9.55am on Tuesday, September 11, should ring PC Ian Forsith at Loughton Police Station on 01279 625530 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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