IPSWICH: Three suspects arrested in connection with a robbery outside a fast-food restaurant are understood to have been on day release from an open prison and working at Ipswich Town Football Club at the time.

The men, believed to be inmates at Hollesley Bay prison, are understood to have been working at the club as part of their rehabilitation when a cash case was taken from a female security driver.

The robbery occurred at McDonald’s in Ranelagh Road, Ipswich at around 10.10am on Monday.

The security guard, who is employed by G4S, was said to have been pushed to the ground by two men during the incident.

The pair were then allegedly seen running off towards Sainsbury’s in Hadleigh Road.

Three men were arrested in Ipswich town centre on Tuesday afternoon.

Police said the suspects are a 36-year-old and a 57-year-old from Ipswich, and a 44-year-old from London.

The suspects spent yesterday being quizzed at the police investigation centre at Suffolk Constabulary’s Martlesham headquarters. They have now been bailed by police and must return to the investigation centre on December 13.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Justice declined to confirm or deny the men were on authorised release from Hollesley Bay at the time of the incident.

However, he said: “It is currently a matter for the police.”

Suffolk Constabulary said they were unable to discuss any details relating to the men in custody other than to confirm their ages and addresses.

Simon Clegg, chief executive of Ipswich Town, said: “I can confirm we had been working with Hollesley Bay on a rehabilitation programme to prepare appropriate prisoners for reintegration in to society. We cannot comment further at the stage.”

The G4S security driver is believed to have been uninjured during the robbery.

Prisoners are known to be released on temporary licence providing they meet strict criteria and pass a rigorous risk assessment.

Only those assessed as representing minimal risk of escape or risk of harm to the public are eligible.

If prisoners breach their licence in any way, they are subject to disciplinary proceedings.