Masked raiders made off with a haul of cash from the Brentwood Centre after hitting a member of staff over the head.
Police are appealing for witnesses to help them track down the violent duo who targeted the council run leisure centre in Doddinghurst Road late on Sunday night and made off with an undisclosed amount of money including funds collected for Children in Need.
The member of staff, from the Southend area, needed treatment at Basildon Hospital for the head injuries he sustained.
A police spokesman said: "The victim was locking up the centre at the time of the incident. The two men were wearing balaclavas and hit the man over the head before taking money from the safe. We are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed something."
Council chief executive, Bob McLintock, said: "We are upset and concerned for the member of staff involved and assisting the police with their inquiries and will continue to do so."
Police would like to hear from anyone who may have seen something suspicious in the area between 10.30pm on Sunday night and 12.30am on Monday morning.
They would particularly like to hear from the drivers of two cars which were recorded on CCTV entering the car park at 10.24pm and 10.46pm.
Anyone with information should call Det Con Mike Hammond at Brentwood CID on 01277 262212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111
Published Thursday April 8, 2004
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