Securicor reward offer

Two guards were taking money to a machine in the Spar shop in Todmorden Road at around 9.40pm on Tuesday when one of them was ambushed.

As one was taking the money into the shop he was attacked by two males, one of whom hit him several times around his lower body with a brick.

They then stole the cash box containing what was believed to be around £10,000 and made off on foot towards Smalley Street. Police have since recovered the cash box minus the money.

Det Sgt Pete Simm, of Burnley CID, said: "We have recovered the cash box and are trying to establish whether the two offenders are local or from outside the area."

A spokesman for Securicor said: "Securicor deplores such incidents and is doing everything possible to assist the police with their enquiries. The safety of our staff and the public is of paramount importance and, as such, we are offering a £5,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the attack."

The guard was taken to Burnley General Hospital to be treated for his injuries and was later released.

Police are investigating whether the raid is linked to a similar attack on another Spar shop in June.

On that occasion two robbers wrestled with security officers delivering money to a cash machine at the Spar shop at the junction of Brunshaw Road and Brownside Road, Pike Hill. They got away with a cash box containing £10,000.

Both men were described as white males in their mid-20s.

One was said to be 6ft 2in and skinny. He was wearing a light coloured baseball cap and a dark coloured scarf, which was covering his face. He was also wearing a jacket, dark tracksuit trousers and trainers.

The second man was said to be shorter and stockier. He had fair, collar-length hair and was also wearing a baseball cap and trainers.

Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone who recognises the descriptions to contact them on 01282 472144 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111