A cash-in-transit security guard was robbed in broad daylight in a McDonald's car park metres away from a children's play area.

A thief is thought to have struck the guard over the head outside the restaurant in London Road, Norbury, on Thursday last week before making off with a cash box.

The robber fled with a second man in silver Ford Kuga, which was later found abandoned along with the box in nearby Turle Road. It is not clear how much cash they stole.

The robbery happened at around 3pm, yards away from the busy restaurant.

Colin Hillman, who was eating in McDonald's at the time, said: "I was aware of something going on in front of the store so I went to have a look.

"At the same time a member of staff came in looking very panicked and distressed, saying there had been a robbery in the car park. The guard got hit on the head."

He added: "It was very busy at the time, with it being half-term. There were a lot of children in.
"Staff seemed to be shaken up about it."

The robbers are believed to have been black men in their early twenties.

The Metropolitan Police’s Flying Squad is investigating the robbery. 

Detective Constable Danny Lynch said: "We're appealing for anyone who might have seen this incident taking place.

"The robbery happened in the McDonald's car park at a busy time of day in broad daylight, so there would have been a lot of people in the area who may have seen what happened.

"Similarly, if you were in the Turle Road area and saw anything, then we would urge you to contact us. Anyone with information that could help our enquiries is asked to get in touch."

McDonald's declined to comment. 

Anyone with information can contact the Met Police on 020 7232 6530 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.