A PAIR of scheming robbers used a care home for the elderly to stash a getaway car while they snatched a cashbox containing thousands of pounds.

Terrified shoppers looked on as the duo wrestled a cash in transit box off a guard outside the Abbey National Bank on Wanstead High street at 10am on Monday morning.

The guard, who was not injured in the attack, chased after the men along Cambridge Park Road, only to see them dash into a car park at Westminster Court, before driving off at speed in a blue Fiat Punto hatchback in the direction of the Green Man roundabout.

A spokeswoman for the Met’s Flying Squad, who are investigating the robbery, described to the Guardian what happened.

She said: “The male security guard, aged in his 30s, was returning to his vehicle when he was approached by a male suspect who attempted to snatch a cash box from his hand.

“The victim was grabbed by another male suspect who forced him to one side, causing him to drop the box.

"The suspects picked up the box and ran off.

“The victim was able to follow the suspects towards a car park at Westminster Court, Cambridge Park. The suspects were then seen driving off.”

No-one was injured in the attack, and, despite some rumours on the High Street, police said there was no evidence that guns were used at any point during the robbery.

The suspects being hunted by police are described as black men aged between 20 and 23. One suspect was about 6ft tall wearing a hooded grey tracksuit top and bottoms, while the other was about 5ft 8inches tall wearing a dark wool hat and dark jacket.

No arrests have been made.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information about it is being urged to call police on 8345 4226 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.