A masked gunman robbed a hotel in the early hours of this morning (Thursday), forcing the night porter to empty a safe and making off with the cash.

The robbery happened at the Premier Inn on the High Road in Buckhurst Hill shortly after 1am on Thursday December 23.

The suspect is described as tall, with a large build, wearing a balaclava and a black jacket.

Anyone with any information or who saw a man acting suspiciously on the premises is asked to contact DC Staff at Harlow CID on 0300 333 4444.