Chafford Hundred: Arrest and appeal after aggravated burglary

An arrest has been made and our investigation is progressing after an aggravated burglary at a shop in Chafford Hundred.

Our officers were called to a Tesco Express store, in Drake Road, shortly before 7pm yesterday (Wednesday 4 September).

It was reported three suspects, wearing masks, were making threats to staff and customers while attempting to steal alcohol and cigarettes.

It was further reported one of the suspects smashed a bottle, using it to make further threats.

While we responded, two off-duty officers were near to the scene and managed to detain one of the suspects as they made off.

No injuries were suffered.

A 32-year-old man, from Chigwell, remains in custody for questioning on suspicion of aggravated burglary.

Enquiries are ongoing to trace two outstanding suspects.

Investigation continues

Detective Inspector Richard Trower, of Grays CID, said:

“We know this was a disturbing and frightening incident for both the staff and customers who witnessed and suffered these threats.
“They absolutely should not have to fall victim to incidents like this, which is why we are continuing a full and forensic investigation into this incident.
“I would ask anyone who may have any information to please reach out to us and get in touch.
“Any detail, no matter how small, could help us with our enquiries.”

Anyone with information should contact us as soon as possible.

You can let us know by submitting a report online or by using our Live Chat service. 

Our Live Chat service is available on our website 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can send and receive real-time messages with an online operator.

To use the service, select the ‘Live Chat’ icon at the bottom right of your screen when you're on our website.

Or you can call us on 101.

Visit our 'Help Us Help You' page to find out more about different ways of reporting.

We're offering more ways for our communities to stay up to date with our work across Essex.

Our e-newsletter, Dispatch, delivers news, information, and advice from Essex Police.

Dispatch is a ‘one stop shop’ for local police news – direct from the source. 

Sign up is completely free and you can unsubscribe at any time.