SOUTHEND: Swordsman's raid on bookies

A MANHUNT has been launched after an armed robber - hiding his face with a pink scarf - slashed a man's face with a sword and made off with hundreds of pounds.

Detectives are appealing for information after the suspect entered the Coral bookmakers on Woodgrange Drive, Southend, at around 8.45pm on Thursday, December 18.

He stole hundreds of pounds and injured a member of staff with the sword.

The victim, a man in his 50s, suffered a nasty wound on his chin and required stitches at hospital.

He is now recovering at home but is very shaken by the attack.

Detective Sergeant Phil Butt said: "This is a very serious offence and the level of violence is of great concern.

"This man needs to be found."

The suspect is described as a white man, aged 18 to 22, and between around 5ft 8ins and 5ft 9ins tall.

He was wearing a green camouflage jacket, a dark coloured beanie hat and a pink scarf over his face.

Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at Southend on 0300 333 44 44 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.