ARMED ROBBERY IN THE STICKS: 'Targeted hit for 5-figure cash sum' stolen in tiny Essex hamlet

POLICE are appealing for information about a suspected organised crime robbery in a tiny Essex hamlet.

Detectives want help solving the robbery of a man in Beauchamp Roding, near Ongar, on April 3.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We were called just before 7pm on Sunday to reports that the victim had had a five-figure sum of cash stolen from him by three men. It is believed that the men involved were armed, and we are treating this as a targeted incident."

Beauchamp Roding is one of eight nearby hamlets and villages all called Roding.

Two people were arrested on suspicion of robbery after a car was stopped in High Road, Benfleet, on the evening of Wednesday April 6.

The first person arrested, a 35-year-old man from Brentwood, was also arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis. He has been released on bail until April 30.

A 17-year-old boy from Canvey was also arrested, but will face no further action.

The spokesman added: "Detectives from Loughton CID are keen to speak to anyone who may have been in the village between 6pm and 7:30pm and seen anything suspicious, and anyone with dash cam or doorbell footage in the area which may be relevant is asked to get in touch.

"Please quote the crime reference number 42/84037/22."

You can submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

Alternatively, you can call 101.

Information can also be given to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or https://crimestoppers-uk.org