NEIGHBOURS have voiced their shock after syringe-wielding robbers threatened staff in two shops.

A man entered Boots in Tamarisk Way, Colchester, just before 5pm on Saturday and demanded prescription drugs.

The suspect, who was holding a hypodermic needle, left with a quantity of medication.

The next day, just after 7.10am, a man threatened a staff member with a needle at Martins newsagents at the Fivefields Centre in Greenstead.

He demanded money and tobacco, which was handed over, and he also took e-cigarettes and confectionery.

Nobody was hurt in the incidents but staff were left shaken.

Police carried out a search of the area, and house to house enquiries, which led them to an address in Berberis Walk, Colchester, just before 9am on Sunday.

There they found three men unwell – one of them unconscious – and called paramedics.

A 39-year-old is in hospital in a critical condition while the other men were taken to hospital but have now been taken into custody and are awaiting questioning.

A 31-year-old man from Colchester, was arrested on suspicion of robbery, and a 34-year-old from Colchester, who was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and possession of drugs.

Residents who live nearby to where the men were found reported six police cars and two ambulances were on the scene on Sunday morning.

One shocked 72-year-old, who asked not to be named, said he had returned stolen items dropped by one of the thieves.

He said: “I came out to feed the birds like I do every day.

“I noticed a young fellow in grey tracksuit top and bottoms and sunglasses.

“He looked like he was either on drink or drugs – I am an ex-nurse and could tell.

“He was walking from the direction of the shop towards Berberis Walk and kept dropping things on the floor.

“He went off around the corner, I went out and picked up a few of the items.

“There were sweets and electronic cigarettes.

“I spoke to the girl in the shop and asked what items had been stolen and sure enough it was the stuff this guy was dropping.

“I returned the items to the shop.”

He added: “At about 7.30am around three police cars were outside as well as a forensic van.

“They were investigating a property on the road, which is known to be a halfway house.

“The block of flats were taped off with blue and white tape.

“We have had a bit of trouble around here with noise, but nothing like this.

“It does scare the hell out of you.

“Little kids live next door to them, it is not nice to hear this.”

Enquiries are ongoing and witnesses or anyone with information on the incidents should call Colchester CID on 101.