ESSEX Police has charged a man in connection with a robbery at a shop in Harlow.

It was reported two people forced their way into a shop in Manor Hatch at around 6.40am on February 22 and forced a member of staff to open the safe.

A four-figure sum of cash was taken.

Clleon Smith, 31, of London Road, Croydon was arrested and has now been charged with robbery.

He is next due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on August 17.