Masked gang armed with shotguns steal hundreds of thousands in raid on security van delivering cash to Asda
Thugs make off in 4x4 after terrifying robbery early this morning
A MASKED gang armed with a shotgun made off with hundreds of thousands of pounds after a raid on a security van at an Asda supermarket.
Two guards were threatened at gunpoint outside the store in Witham, Essex, at about 8.40am this morning.
The guards were delivering cash to the supermarket when they were approached by three men in balaclavas who demanded cash.
The gang made off in a 4x4 with a six figure sum.
Cops put the Asda supermarket on lockdown after the raid and are searching the area for the suspects.
The security van has been cordoned off and the supermarket closed.
Carl Courtney, a spokesman for Loomis Security, said: "We can confirm it's a Loomis van and it was an armed gang, we understand there was at least four people."
Kate Booker, a resident living nearby, said: "I have left Asda, they are waiting on police.
"The girls that work there were all out the back.
"It was shut and there was a security van outside, so I asked if they will be shut long and they said they were waiting for police to arrive."
Were you at Asda supermarket in Witham this morning? Email emma.lake@the-sun.co.uk or call 02077824360
Senior Investigating Officer Det Chief Insp Stuart Smith said: "This robbery happened at a busy time of morning when the supermarket was open and lots of people were going about their daily business.
"If you saw this incident, or anything suspicious in the moments leading up to the robbery, then please contact us if you haven’t already.
"Equally if you saw this incident and have footage or photographs we would also be keen to speak to you."
Det Chief Insp Smith continued: "We understand this incident was extremely frightening, not only for those involved, but also for members of the public who witnessed it.
"Essex Police would like to reassure the public that our officers will be working around the clock to catch those responsible for this armed robbery and when, not if, we catch them they will face the full force of the law.”
A suspected gunman is on the loose in the area after fleeing the scene of a burglary less than 20 miles away last night.
Witnesses or anyone with information can contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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