DETECTIVES are counting cash thought to be discarded by the armed gang who carried out Britain’s biggest ever cash robbery.

The money, thought to be millions of pounds, was found in a white Ford Transit van abandoned at the Ashford International Hotel, near to the Eurostar Terminal, Ashford, following a tip off from a member of the public on Friday.

Police say it is too early to speculate on the exact amount of cash, but confirm they are linking it to Wednesday’s robbery at the Securitas depot in Tonbridge, in which an armed gang kidnapped depot manager Colin Dixon, his wife and yound son, and stole up to £50million.

The van and its contents are being examined by forensic experts, as are four other vehicles thought to have been used in the record breaking heist.

Speaking at a press conference at Kent Police headquarters on Friday, Assistant Chief Constable Adrian Leppard urged those who may have been involved "around the edge" of the crime to come forward.

Referring to a reward of £2million put up by Securitas and its insurers for information leading to the recovery of the stolen cash and conviction of the robbers, he said: "A reward of £2million is significant and unique - that £2million could be yours."

He added: "You may be fearful about ringing in but I urge you to do so. We will look after you. Please make that call."

Mr Leppard also spoke of the ordeal endured by 51-year-old Mr Dixon, his wife Lynn and their nine-year-old son, who were kidnapped by the armed gang and held at gunpoint along with Securitas staff members.

He said the family remained traumatised but had still managed to celebrate their son’s ninth birthday on Friday.

He added: "We have tried to make his birthday as special as possible for him. He has had his presents and we are trying to get him some of our own presents as well."

Four other vehicles thought to have been used in the record-breaking heist were found on Thursday in villages near Maidstone.

A Volvo S60 saloon, believed to have been used during the abduction of the depot manager, 51-year-old Colin Dixon, was found buring in Burberry Lane in Leeds late on Thursday night.

Firefighters were called to the scene after reports the car was on fire and they alerted police just before 11pm.

The car is known to have been stolen from Krisswood Avenue, New Addington, near Croydon, on the morning of February 1.

Police are also linking a red Vauxhall Vectra car found partially burning alongside the Volvo to the gang who abducted Mr Dixon.

Mr Dixon's car, a silver Nissan Almera, was discovered on Thursday night parked at the Cock Horse pub, Detling.

A red van with Parcelforce graphics on the side was found abandoned at the Hook and Hatchet pub in Hucking.

A detailed forensic examination of all the cars is being carried out.

The white Renault lorry, which the gang used to transport the cash, is still missing and police urgently want information to trace its whereabouts and movements.

Meanwhile, three people arrested on Thursday in connection with the robbery have been released on police bail, pending further enquiries.

They include a 29-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman arrested in the Forest Hill area of London, and a 41-year-old woman who was arrested at the Portman Building Society in Market Square, Bromley.

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