DETECTIVES hunting two armed robbers say lunchtime drivers could hold the key to identifying the raiders.

A 40-year-old security guard, from Rayleigh, was delivering the cash box to Barclays bank, in Broadway North, Pitsea, when the raid happened.

He was confronted by the robbers, who were both armed with handguns, and they forced him to hand over the money.

They then fled with the box, which contained thousands of pounds. Investigating officer, Det Sgt Dixie Dean, of Pitsea CID, said: "Drivers who using the main arterial route surrounding the town may have seen a car with three men inside driving around at high speed.

"We ask people to concentrate their mind on Tuesday lunchtime, between midday and 12.30pm. We are asking anyone who saw these men to contact us."

The raiders jumped into a waiting blue Ford Mondeo, driven by an accomplice, which sped off.

It was later found dumped and burnt out in nearby Winifred Drive, Pitsea. It is thought they switched to another car before escaping.

The dumped car is undergoing forensic tests.

Anyone with information about the robbery, which happened at about noon on Tuesday, can call police on 01268 532212.