"Everyone rushed down the stairs and there were armed police at the barriers and outside the station.
"At least three police vans and more police walking toward the station. I'm not exactly sure what's going on."
Commuter Caroline Green said: "I got to Fenchurch just after 7pm, and initially didn't realise it was closed.
Cleared: Fenchurch Street station was evacuated by police
Jack Lyddiatt
"There was a huge crowd and a few police vans with flashing lights, and c2c staff manning the entrance, refusing to let people in.
"After about five minutes of hanging around, we were told to move all the way back to the office building opposite the station, as that's the official evacuation point
"There was a c2c staff member with a loudhailer, repeating that the station would be 'closed until further notice due to a police incident'."
Student Ellie Howell, 16, was outside the station when the drama unfolded.
She said: “I could see dogs and police with stab proof vests on entering and we were all asked to move back and then further back.”
A spokesman for c2c said: "Fenchurch Street station was closed for about 30 minutes tonight on police advice. Services have now resumed."
Disruption is expected to continue until around 9pm.
Anyone with information on the robbery should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 citing 466 of 02/08/16.
