A SECURITY guard was robbed by three men in a daytime attack outside a Bournemouth bank on Tuesday morning.

Thieves targeted a G4S security guard outside Barclays at Castle Lane West just after 10.30am.

The male guard was assaulted. He was treated at the scene by paramedics.

A case was believed to have been grabbed in the attack but it is not yet known what it contained.

Police have said they do not believe any weapons were used and do not know if the assailants were wearing masks during the attack.

They are now on the lookout for a grey Vauxhall Astra – with three men – which was seen in the area at the time. The NPAS helicopter was launched as part of the search late yesterday morning. At the time of going to print no arrests had been made.

A Dorset police spokesman said: “Following initial enquiries we are keen to trace a grey Vauxhall Astra with three men on board which was seen in the area at the time.

“We are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or saw a grey Astra being driven in the Castle Lane West area at the relevant time to call police on 101 quoting incident number 3:108 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Paramedics sent one rapid response vehicle after they were contacted by the police.

A spokesman for the South Western Ambulance Service said: “We were called to the scene at 10.48am by the police to reports of one male casualty who had been assaulted. He wasn’t badly injured, he was more in shock, and he was treated at the scene.”

Customers and staff were left visibly shaken but the branch remained open for business. Witnesses were interviewed inside the bank shortly after the incident.

Barclays would not make a comment when asked as they said the incident did not happen inside.

Director of risk for G4S Cash Solutions, Andy Cruickshank, said: “At 10:36 am one of our cash couriers was the victim of an attack on Castle Lane West in Bournemouth. Fortunately our crew has not suffered any physical injuries but has been badly shaken by the attack. We are working closely with the police on their enquiries.”