Attempted Nationwide Robbery

20 March 2013, 11:36 | Updated: 20 March 2013, 11:40

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and information after offenders attempted to steal money from security guards as they re-stocked the cash machines at the Nationwide Building Society in Bedford on Tuesday 19th March.

It occurred at the Allhallows branch at around 9.30pm. A female cleaner was inside the building at the time and while one G4S security guard went inside to deliver the cash, leaving his male colleague outside with the security van, two masked offenders emerged from an office inside the branch and confronted the G4S officer.

One offender demanded cash before punching him and knocking him unconscious. The other offender then went outside and tried to get into the back of the G4S van. The G4S officer has activated the security alarm causing the offenders to run away empty handed.

Detective Sergeant Gary Maxey from Bedford CID is investigating, he said: "This was a serious attempt to steal money from the building society. I would appeal to anyone who has information about this incident to come forward, or if you have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area in the days or weeks running up to it please speak to us as it is possible the offenders have been casing the area for some time in preparation for last night's offence."

"Enquiries continue to establish how they got into the building and we are working closely with Nationwide and their staff as part of our investigation," he added.

The G4S officer that was assaulted quickly regained consciousness but was left shaken with swelling to his face. He was not seriously injured.