Armed robbers “dressed like Ninjas” swooped in by helicopter today for an audacious raid on a cash depot.

The gang used explosives after landing on the roof of the G4S security company's building in Vastberga, south of the Swedish capital Stockholm.

Witnesses said at least three men who looked like Ninja warriors blasted their way in shortly after 5am and were seen loading what are thought to be boxes stuffed with cash into the helicopter for their getaway.

Planning for the raid was meticulous: the robbers left fake booby trap bombs near helicopters that police use so officers could not give chase. They also laid out spiked mats around the building to immobilise police cars.

The gang abandoned their helicopter in a field.

Police chief Ulrika Lonngren said: “The helicopter landed on the roof. Then they entered the building by breaking some windows. Several explosions were heard and they were seen loading things into the helicopter and lifting off.”

Sweden's paramilitary National Task Force was sent to the scene and forced their way into the building.

A police spokesman said: “We are dealing with a highly intelligent, highly ruthless team of robbers.”

The helicopter used in the raid was itself stolen from an airfield near Stockholm.

There were no injuries among the 20 staff of G4S security in the building at the time, and all were being interviewed by police.

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