A SHOPKEEPER has described the terrifying moment her staff were attacked by a gang of masked men who stole hundreds of pounds worth of stock.

Two male members of staff had knives waved in their faces as three raiders stormed RST Mart in Eastwoodbury Crescent, Southend.

The staff were separated and forced to lie down in the isles as the raiders cleared the shelves of cigarettes, worth an estimated £500.

The victims, who were both in their twenties and live in the local area, lay frozen for fear of being stabbed during the fiveminute ordeal.

Nima Piratheepan, 32, who runs the Londis shop with her husband, said: “The man with the knife was waving it at both of them. They couldn’t do anything.

“They were both scared, so lay there frozen. They just didn’t knowwhat to do.

“Then the other came behind the till and took the cigarettes.”

Mrs Piratheepan added: “When they left, one of the boys called us. His voice was shaking and they didn’t knowwhat to do.

We came down and called the police.

“They have taken our CCTV and apparently neighbours have given witness statements. It’s horrible to think we could be in the shop and someone walks in and does this.

“We have been here for ten years and most Christmases this happens. Normally, we chase them out. It’s our shop and our stock, we don’t want people coming in and stealing it.

“They need money for Christmas and it’s dark. It’s scary to think that could happen to you.

“Shoplifters are one problem, but now it’s robberies.

“They are shocking and scary.”

As well as the cigarettes, the robbers also swiped a £30 bottle of Smirnoff vodka while the knifeman, who was wearing a black crash helmet, also stuffed piles of large chocolate bars into his bag.

The knifeman was skinny, about 5ft 7in tall and was wearing a black long-sleeved jacket, denim jeans and black trainers.

He was carrying a black rucksack and wearing black gloves.

He was also wearing a black crash helmet.

The second man was of medium build and was wearing a navy blue long-sleeved hooded jumper with a black jacket over the top, black jeans, black trainers and black gloves. He had a scarf over his mouth and was carrying a blue and black rucksack.

A thirdman was wearing a red baseball cap with the word “Monster” on it.

Anyone with information about the incident, which took place at about 10pm last Friday, can call investigating officer PC Michelle Matson at Southend CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.