ARMED kids aged just 14 are robbing cash vans hiding their school uniforms under hoodies.

And yesterday Scotland Yard warned the kids they risk being SHOT by cops.

The alert came as modern Fagin Ali Lwanga, 21, faced jail for recruiting kids to raid vans.

Detectives said he paid the teenagers a pittance while raking in more than £100,000.

The Flying Squads Supt Bob Cummings said: It is rare firearms are used but guards have been physically assaulted.

The child robbers even drove getaway cars still in school uniform.

He said gangs target Securicor vans carrying up to £25,000.

But he warned the kids: This is the Flying Squad you may come up against armed police.

To launder cash Lwanga would put it in gaming machines, then cancel the bet and get a receipt to exchange for clean money.

He and his gang were nicked after grabbing £3,640 at Enfield, North London.

The cash box exploded and released Smart-Water a staining liquid only visible under UV light.

Lwanga, of Canning Town, East London, is the first robber to be convicted using the water.

He was found guilty at Wood Green Crown Court of conspiracy to rob and concealing criminal property.

Boys aged 14, 15, and two aged 16 pleaded guilty to the first charge.

All five will be sentenced next month.