Police have launched an appeal after three armed men robbed two security guards who were filling a cash machine in Accrington.

The three masked offenders robbed the Loomis guards on Whalley Road shortly after midday on Thursday, April 17.

One of the security guards was assaulted during the incident but was not seriously hurt.

The robbers have then fled the scene in a black Peugeot 3008 with a 'substantial' amount of money.

The car was later found abandoned at the back of Queens Road West.

DS Ian Procter said; “A number of witnesses have already come forward to assist us in our investigation.

“However, we would appeal for anyone else who may have witnessed the incident to also please come forward.

“We are particularly interested if anyone saw a black Peugeot 3008 or any other vehicles acting suspiciously around Whalley Road or Queens Road West leading up to the offence last Thursday.”

A spokesman for Loomis confirmed that an 'undisclosed' amount of cash was taken during the incident and they are working closely with police to find the culprits.

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting log number LC-20140417-0442.