THREE men have been arrested in connection with an armed robbery in which a security guard was shot in the leg.

The men – aged 19, 21 and 26 – were arrested by police in the Mill Hill and Infirmary areas of Blackburn this morning on suspicion of robbery, possession of a firearm with intent and GBH.

Detective Superintendent Neil Hunter, who is leading the investigation, said: “These arrests are part of of an-going investigation into the shooting of a security guard in Blackburn.

“It was a pre-planned targeted operation on specific individuals who police need to eliminate from this enquiry.

“During the course of this morning, the neighbourhood policing team will be distributing leaflets explaining the nature of the operation and also offering some reassurance key messages to the local community.”

Police were called to Preston Old Road, Blackburn, at 7.15am on Thursday fter a security guard was confronted by two men as he was delivering cash to an ATM machine at a former estate agents.

The security guard, who is 30 and from Blackburn, was shot once in the right knee during the incident. He was taken to hospital for treatment and is now recovering at home.

If anybody witnessed this incident or has any information about it they should contact police on 01254 51212 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.