A MANHUNT has been launched after shots were fired during an attempted armed robbery outside a supermarket in Clacton.

Police were called to reports that two security guards were approached by two men outside the Tesco store in the Brook Retail Park, London Road, just before 11.40am yesterday.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "One of the suspects, who had what appeared to be a firearm, threatened the victims and demanded they open the cash machines."

Two shots were fired but no-one was injured and the suspects left empty-handed in a grey or silver car, which may have had a third person inside.

"There is not believed to be any threat posed to any members of the wider community."

He added that witnesses or anyone with information to contact Essex Police on 101.Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Most workers in neighbouring outlets were unaware of what was going on although some reported seeing police cars and hearing the police helicopter.

But My Diner owner Nicky Devaux said: "I was standing outside the diner in the Tesco car park and saw everyone looking over and asked what was happening in the right-hand corner of the car park.

"I saw a lady trying to interfere with the commotion and her husband pulled her back.

"I was told that the armed robbers hid between the cash point outside the front of Tesco and the side of Timpson before jumping out."

The area around the cash machines was cordoned off as police launched a fingertip investigation of the scene.

Residents also reported seeing a car being driven away by police from Jubilee Avenue, where it is rumoured the vehicle was dumped before the suspects escaped.

The Loomis security van remained outside the store as the investigation continued.

A spokesman for the security firm said it was too early to comment on what had happened.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

A Tesco spokesperson said: “We are supporting the police with their investigations in any way we can.

"Luckily no one was hurt in this incident.”

Local councillors said they were shocked at what had happened.

Chris Amos said: "I'm very surprised - it's not the sort of thing that normally happens in Clacton and I hope they apprehend whoever is responsible.

"It's worrying that firearms were involved. You expect this sort of thing in London but not in a coastal town like Clacton.

"I'm very shocked and genuinely upset about it."

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Members of Mick Skeels' family work at the Tesco store.

"It must be really upsetting for the staff," he said.

"I don't know the full story but hopefully they all escaped without injury.

"It must be a shock for them and hopefully they are not too traumatised.

"I'm sure the police will do what they have got to do and hopefully they will catch them before they do any more."

He added: "It's just a sign of the times.

"People are prepared to carry out that type of violent crime but it's a shock, and you don't expect this type of robbery in Clacton."

Any witnesses can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or crimestoppers-uk.org.