TWO security guards were attacked during a cash box robbery in St Helens this evening. 

At 7.50pm, calls were received of a robbery at Santander bank on Bridge Street. 

It is believed that as a cash delivery was being made to the bank by two guards when the crime gang struck.

A man wearing a facial covering approached the first guard. 

Following a brief struggle, the first guard was assaulted and received a minor facial injury, and the cash box was taken by the man. 

A second guard received a minor thigh injury in a further struggle before the man left the bank on foot.

He was joined outside by two or three suspected accomplices, who were also wearing facial coverings.

Shortly afterwards, two cars believed to be linked to the offence were found on fire at separate locations.

The first, a Mercedes Coupe, was found on Bridge Street, close to the bank.

The second, an Audi A6, was found near to an industrial site at The Shires.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service attended to extinguish the fires, and both vehicles will be recovered for forensic enquiries, say police.

Police and ambulance are in attendance and both guards have both been treated for their minor injuries.

CCTV, forensic and witness enquiries are now underway at the three locations. 
Anyone with information is urged to call St Helens CID on (0151) 777 6881, call 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.