Man arrested in Dagenham in connection with armed robbery

A 29-year-old man has been arrested in Dagenham in connection with a violent armed robbery at a supermarket.

Five masked men, one armed with a shotgun, broke through a window at Sainsbury’s in Bansons Lane, Ongar at about 12.40am on Monday.

The store was closed at the time but three members of night staff who were stacking shelves were confronted by the men. A woman was assaulted and suffered facial injuries. She was taken to hospital and allowed home after treatment.

A four-figure sum of cash as well as a number of small items, including microwaves, DVDs, alcohol and cigarettes were stolen.

A 29-year-old man of no fixed address was arrested in Dagenham on suspicion of robbery yesterday. He is currently being questioned by detectives at a police station in south Essex.

A number of the items stolen in the robbery have been recovered by police.

Anyone with information should contact detectives at Loughton on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.