A SECURITY guard was struck by a masked thug before the offender stole a cash box in Prescot Shopping Centre.

Just after 1.50pm today, Monday, March 11, a security guard was at the centre when he was struck with an object by a man described as white and in black clothing with his face covered.

The security guard was not injured but left extremely shaken by the incident.

The offender took the cash box and reportedly left the scene in a black Vauxhall insignia driven by another man.

The cash box was found a short time later and has been taken for forensic examination.

Enquiries are ongoing to locate the offenders and anyone who may have information is asked to contact police.

Detective Inspector Lisa Ryan said: "It is completely unacceptable for this guard to be subjected to this ordeal while he was simply trying to do his job.

"We are carrying out a number of enquiries in the area. This includes examination of CCTV footage and forensic enquiries, and we would be keen to hear from anyone who might have dashcam footage or CCTV at those locations.

"We also appeal for anyone who witnessed the incident itself or who saw the offenders acting suspiciously to get in touch.”

"Anyone with info is asked to contact @MerPolCC, 101 quoting incident reference19100109414 or @CrimestoppersUK. Any information no matter how small will be treated with the utmost confidence and could assist with our investigation."