A CASH box containing a five figure sum was stolen from a security guard in Aveley today.

The robbery took place around 12pm at the Total service station on Purfleet Road.

A Group 4 security guard was confronted by two men wearing balaclavas, one of them was armed with an axe.

One of the men grabbed the cash box and they made off in a grey-green Vauxhall Vectra.

No one was injured, and a police helicopter was sent up to look for the car.

Any witnesses to the robbery or anyone who saw the car making its getaway is asked to contact detectives at Grays Police Station on 0300 3334444.