Masked robbers armed with weapons targeted a cash-in-transit security guard at a Leeds Burger King.
The two men armed with a sledgehammer and a metal bar robbed the G4S security guard of a cash box at the fast food restaurant on York Road in Killingbeck this morning (Saturday).
A witness said the pair, who wore balaclavas, targeted the victim as he left the branch with the box at around 8am.
They demanded the cash before chasing him back inside the building and making off with the box in a blue BMW SUV.
The victim was assaulted during the incident but was not seriously injured.
A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "Police are currently investigating reports of an armed robbery, which occurred at a fast food restaurant on York Road in Leeds earlier this morning.
"At around 8am, two suspects carrying hammers and wearing balaclavas assaulted a security guard and stole a cash box.
"The pair made away in what is believed to be an SUV-style vehicle.
"The guard was not seriously injured."
A police cordon was in place around the van until around 11am.
A crime scene investigator was working on the scene, including in the kitchen.
The branch is closed for today but is expected to re-open tomorrow morning.
Any witnesses or anyone with information should contact police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 0425 of today's date, or contact Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.
