A "BULGING-EYED" gunman and a bogus pizza delivery driver hijacked a Securicor van then forced the guards to drive to a disused tunnel in Sydenham.

Flying Squad officers are now hunting the two pistol-brandishing men and their accomplice after the well- organised robbery in Forest Hill. The raiders ambushed the three security guards outside a bank, then stole what is being described by detectives as "a significant amount of cash" following the hijacking in London Road at 9pm on August 10.

Detective Sergeant Mark Drew, from Tower Bridge Flying Squad, said: "This was a highly-organised armed robbery. The robbers had planned their route well and had clearly visited the railway tunnel on a number of occasions. We know for example they had changed the padlocks on the tunnel's gate to allow easy access on the day of the robbery."

The men drove away from the tunnel in Peckarman's Wood in a Black Toyota Landcruiser, registration X533 DBY, which was later found burnt out in South Norwood.

DS Drew added: "These robbers are dangerous professionals. They were armed with handguns and made it clear they would not hesitate to use them. We have released an e-fit of one of the suspects, who has large, staring eyes."

The bogus pizza delivery driver was seen leaning against a wall outside Pizza Hut, in London Road. He is white, around 6ft tall and of large build.

The third man is black, of a similar height, with short hair and long sideburns.

Securicor is offering a substantial reward for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the men.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Flying Squad at Tower Bridge on 020 7407 6319 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

September 11, 2001 10:30