A MAN has been arrested after a Securicor guard was robbed in Bournemouth town centre last night.

The guard was threatened with what police believe was a gun and robbed of a cash box outside Nationwide Building Society on Old Christchurch Road at 8.50pm yesterday.

The alleged robber, who was dressed in dark hoodie, jeans, gloves, a white shirt and sunglasses, fled across Horseshoe Common.

A red Ford Scorpio, which officers believe was used by the man to get to the scene, was set alight shortly afterwards.

An armed response unit, dog handlers and the force helicopter mounted a search and a man was arrested at 9pm near Dean Park Road.

Officers are still on the scene this morning and a high profile search is being carried out on the still-cordoned off Horseshoe Common.

The cash box was recovered but has not yet been opened.

Detective Inspector Craig Travers, of Bournemouth and Poole CID, said:" This was a very serious incident in a busy public place and a number of people may have witnessed it.

"I am appealing to anyone who say this incident to contact me urgently.

"I would like to speak with anyone who recalls seeing a man in a stationary red Ford Scorpio on Old Christchurch Road between 6pm and 9pm on Monday evening."

  • A 44-year-old Bournemouth man was arrested and is helping police with their enquiries.

Call Dorset Police on 01202 222 222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.