Three men who robbed a security guard of money as he left a bank in Woodford Green are being hunted by police.

Three men who robbed a security guard of money as he left a bank in Woodford Green are being hunted by police.

The guard was grabbed from behind by one of the three men as he walked out of the NatWest bank in The Broadway, Woodford Green, with a cash box at 11.30am on Wednesday.

While the guard was being held, a second man took the cash box from his hand and the three then ran off towards nearby Woodford Tube station.

Police say they ran through an underpass and out on to Snakes Lane East, and then ran left into Madeira Grove where they got into a white Ford Transit van and fled.

The three men had already attempted to rob a security guard earlier that same day.

The guard was leaving Superdrug, High Street, Barkingside at 10.15am when the trio approached him.

One of them tried to grab the cash box he was holding, but the security guard pushed him away and ran back into the store.

They ran off empty-handed towards Sydney Road.

All three suspects are described as black, approximately 18 to 22 years old and 5ft 8in.

One is described as being of slim build and wearing a shiny black bomber jacket, dark jogging bottoms with a red logo on the rear of the left leg and trainers.

The second man police are looking for is described as also being of slim build and wearing a black hooded top, dark Adidas jogging bottoms with white stripes down the legs and black Adidas trainers.

There is no further description for the third suspect.

Police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to call Det Con Nick Larkey on 020 8345 4255.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.