Two men armed with knives punch betting shop customer in face before making off with cash.

The men entered Ladbrokes in London Road, in Benfleet, at about 7pm yesterday, Monday June 26.

They punched a customer in the face and demanded money from staff.

The suspects stole cash before leaving the shop and running off down Lambeth Road.

They were seen to reach the junction with Church Road but it is not known which direction they then took.

The victim, a 59-year-old man, suffered a minor cut to his eyebrow.

Officers attended and carried out a search of the area for the suspects. Enquiries are ongoing.

The men were described as about 6ft 1ins tall, aged between 17 and 20 and of stocky build, one of them of slightly smaller build.

One was described as black and had braided hair. The other was white.

They both wore dark clothes and gloves had their faces covered.

Police want to speak to witnesses and anyone with information, including any residents or businesses in the area with CCTV footage.

They are asked to contact Dc Robert Hoy at Basildon CID on 101.

Alternatively, contact independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppersanonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.