TWO robbers wrestled with security officers delivering money to a cash machine in Burnley last night before making off with a cash box containing £10,000.

The two security guards, who regularly visit the cash machine, on the side wall of the Spar Shop, at the junction of Brunshaw Road and Brownside Road, were carrying out their regular duties when two men waiting in a nearby car approached them at about 9.20pm.

They wrestled the box from the guards before escaping in a car being driven by a third man.

The vehicle, a blue Ford Focus, was discovered abandoned a short time later in nearby Hillcrest Avenue.

A search involving the police helicopter took place but there was no sign of the offenders.

One was descvribed as 20-21 years, 5ft 8in, with mousey hair and a long face. Another had dark hair and a "stripey" top.

Steven Rogan, trainee manager at the Spar shop, said: "We had three people working in the shop when it happened but they didn't see anything because the machine is round the corner. I believe one of the security men came in afterwards to let them know.

"The staff were all a bit shook up by it. We usually stay open until 11pm but we decided to close at 10pm last night because of what happened.

"As far as I know no-one was injured. The security van comes to the cash machine about twice a week but at different times."

An elderly neighbour, who did not want to be identified, said: "We heard a funny type of alarm going off, much louder than a car alarm.

"When we looked out we saw a security van outside the cash machine and then the police came flying up, so we thought it must be something to do with the machine.

"But a lot of people always hang around there and the Spar at night and it's not unusual to see a police car around here."

The man in charge of the case DS Dave Lord said: "We would appeal for anyone with information to get in touch.

"If these men are prepared to use force we need to catch them as soon as we can."