A thug threatened a security guard returning to his parked van with a metal bar and robbed his money box.

The security guard was returning to his parked van at about 1.30pm on February 2, in the Homebase car park, on Reigate Road, Ewell, when he was approached by a balaclava-clad man holding an eight-inch piece of metal.

He robbed the money box - containing a significant amount of money - and then fled the scene in a silver Honda Concerto 4x4, which had false number plates.

A second man in a balaclava was also seen fleeing from the scene.

The only description police have of the suspect is that he is about 5ft 9in.

Surrey Police is now appealing for witnesses following the robbery. Detective Constable Nicola Hunt said: “If you were shopping in Homebase or Laura Ashley, Ewell at around 1.30pm [on Tuesday, February 2] then I want to hear from you as you may have vital information.

“Fortunately the security guard was not injured but this incident has left him very shaken and distressed.

“A number of enquiries are already underway including searching through CCTV footage from the superstore and other premises in the area.

“I am very keen to hear from anyone who can tell us where the silver Honda Concerto went after it left the car park. We are liaising closely with our colleagues in the Metropolitan Police as the vehicle may have crossed over the border but if you saw which direction it travelled then please come forward.

“If you have any information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, please call me because it could make all the difference to my investigation.”

Anyone with information should call Surrey Police immediately on 0845 125 2222 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.