A security guard was attacked as two men tried to steal cash from a security van.

Police were called to Asda, on Corporation Street in Colne, at 9.35am on Thursday (May 6) following reports an attempt had been made to grab one of the cash cassettes from the van.

One of the security guards saw the suspects, who were both wearing helmets with the visors up, hanging around the cash machines outside the store minutes before the attempted robbery.

After the guard walked past the men and went into the store, the suspects approached the van.

When the guard's colleague began to unload, one of the suspects attempted to snatch one of the cash cassettes, but the security guard managed to pull it back into the vehicle.

An attempt was then made to open the side door of the van.

Both men then escaped empty handed on a grey coloured moped towards the Whitehall Industrial Estate.

Detectives are now appealing for witnesses to the attack. The suspects are described as white and were wearing all black clothing.

DC Carl Guest said: “This was an attack on a security guard who was merely trying to go about his work. I am sure the public are appalled by this kind of behaviour and it is certainly something Lancashire Constabulary will not tolerate.

“Our enquiries are very much ongoing and I would ask anyone with information that could help us identify those responsible to get in contact with the police as soon as possible. I would also ask people to check their CCTV or dashcam footage to see if they have captured anything in the area around that time which could assist our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting log 0341 of May 6, 2021. Alternatively call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.