Paperboys in terror ordeal

TWO 14-year-old paperboys and a newsagent manageress are recovering after being robbed by two balaclava-clad men.

The armed robbers, who threatened the victims with a handgun and an axe, forced the trio into a back room while they raided Martin's Newsagents in Ployters Road, taking a substantial amount of cash and several packets of cigarettes.

Harlow police are now anxious for anyone with information to come forward.

DC Mike Smith, who is leading the investigation, said: "This was a nasty attack and we are appealing for any witnesses to contact us as soon as possible.

"The way the robbery was carried out may well prick someone's conscience if they know something about it. It's not right to terrorise 14-year-old boys."

The attack happened at about 6.15am on Sunday as the shop staff were preparing for opening at 7am.

Both paperboys had gone to a storeroom at the back of the shop when they were confronted by the two men wearing balaclavas.

The men, who were showing their weapons, forced the boys back into the shop. One of them held the axe to the 48-year-old manageress's head and demanded that she handed over the keys to the safe.

Both the boys and the shopkeeper were then kept in the office with one of the robbers, who kept guard with his gun. The other man then took the money -- approximately £2,000 -- from the safe.

Before leaving, the men ripped the phone line out, closed the office door and warned the three hostages to stay inside. They then stole several packets of cigarettes and fled through the back door.

All three victims waited for a few minutes to make sure their attackers were gone before raising the alarm.

DC Smith said: "Although none of the victims was physically injured, they were extremely shaken and traumatised by the event. The fact that the weapons were on show was sufficient to scare the three of them."

Martin's Newsagents remained closed all day to allow the staff to recover from their ordeal.

Both attackers were wearing dark, full-head balaclavas and dark clothing, had local accents, were about 5ft 8ins tall, and are believed to be white.

One of them was of medium build, while his accomplice was of medium to stocky build.

Police are now keen to speak to anyone who was out and about early on Sunday morning in the Ployters Road area.

Any witnesses or anyone with information should contact Harlow police on 641212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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