MASKED robbers stole a cashbox containing at least �1,800 from a female security worker at Dagenham Leisure Park. The men, who wore hoods, also tried to steal keys to her Group 4 Securicor van, but after a brief fight with the woman, who is in her forties

MASKED robbers stole a cashbox containing at least �1,800 from a female security worker at Dagenham Leisure Park.

The men, who wore hoods, also tried to steal keys to her Group 4 Securicor van, but after a brief fight with the woman, who is in her forties, only made off with the box.

The robbers, described as "professional" by onlookers, had apparently tried to use tainted notes earlier that day that are thought to have come from a previous raid.

On Friday, Britain's biggest security firm G4S, confirmed it was responding to a "specific threat" in Dagenham. Barking flying squad is probing the theft.

Chiquito Mexican restaurant at the leisure park in Cook Road told the POST how they lost three days of takings just before 1.30pm on October 15.

A 30-year-old Chiquito manager said: "They grabbed her. They got her bag. They started pulling her and pushing her. She was fighting. All this happened in 10 seconds.

"Then she ran into the restaurant. She was OK, she was really calm. She did everything by the book."

According to police who spoke to restaurant staff, the same car had tried to cross the Thames at Woolwich at 10.30am.

At some point they also used notes that may have been stored in another stolen cashbox but were splashed with an incriminating liquid when opened.

A G4S spokeswoman said: "We are working closely with the Metropolitan Police to address the specific threat to our couriers and members of the public in the Dagenham area."

Anyone with information regarding the Dagenham Leisure Park attack is asked to call flying squad Det Sgt Laurie Bays on 020 8345 4226 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.