FLYING Squad officers rushed to a pub in Eastwood after two men tried to rob a van.

The pair pulled up in a black Seat Ibiza next to a delivery van in the car park of The Bellhouse pub, in Rayleigh Road, Eastwood.

Police say the front seat passenger got out of the car and forced the victim to hand over a cash box.

As part of a Met Police operation Flying Squad officers arrived within seconds and arrested both men at the scene.

They also recovered the cash box.

Two men, aged 35 and 25, were last night being questioned in connection with the incident.

Officers also say they are being quizzed over two other cash-in-transit robberies, on August 16, in Elm Park Avenue, Romford and August 27, in Balgores Lane, Romford.

Officers are not releasing further details of the amount of money stolen.

Detective Inspector Jason Barber, of the Metropolitan Police’s Flying Squad, said: “The success of this Flying Squad operation is testament to the brave officers of this unit, who have worked tirelessly to arrest these two individuals.

“The safe movement of cash and valuables, especially in the run up to Christmas, is crucial to the economy of this country.

“The guards working for the many companies that carry out this function deserve to do their job without being subjected to violence or attack.

“I appeal to the public to report any suspicious activity they may see around these deliveries by calling police on 101 or passing information anonymously to Crimestoppers.” A spokesman for The Bellhouse thanked the officers for getting to the scene so quickly and confirmed the pub remained open as usual.