A SECURITY guard dropping off cash for a shop's ATM was robbed this morning.

Police were called around 8.05am following a report of a robbery at Haslingden News in Manchester Road, Haslingden.

The guard had entered the shop to refill the cash machine when he was approached by two men.

The men, wearing balaclavas and carrying a baseball bat and machete, took a cash box before driving off in a black Volkswagen Golf with a third man. The guard was not injured.

The VW was later found by police following a short pursuit in the West Yorkshire area. Cash and weapons have been seized but no arrests have been made.

Detectives are appealing for information. Officers also want to speak to several people on a bus who might have witnessed the incident.

Det Insp Mark Saunders said: “We have launched a major investigation following a cash in transit robbery in Haslingden.

“Three men have targeted a cash delivery stealing a substantial amount of money. Thankfully the cash, as well as weapons and the vehicle involved, were recovered.

“We are appealing for information and are keen to speak to anyone who saw what happened. This includes a number of people on board a bus which had stopped close to the scene of the raid.

“The offenders will have been in the immediate area before the robbery. Did you see anyone acting suspiciously? If so, please contact us.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log 0260 of September 13.

Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.