Security guard hurt as machete-wielding attackers make off with ATM cash

3 January 2018, 14:01 | Updated: 3 January 2018, 14:04

Thieves have attacked a security guard with a machete and made off with at least £10,000 as it was loaded into an ATM machine.

The 60-year-old G4S worker was loading a Santander machine at the Forge Shopping Centre in Glasgow at about 8pm on Tuesday when he was attacked by two men.

They approached him from behind, cut his hand and grabbed a box that contained a five-figure sum of cash.

The attackers made off in a stolen blue Skoda Fabia, which was found burnt-out in Inverleith Street a short time later.

The victim was taken by ambulance to Glasgow Royal Infirmary for treatment and is said to be in a stable condition.

The first suspect, who was carrying the machete, is white, 6ft and was wearing a light grey zipper, black trousers and black trainers.

The second suspect is white, about 6ft 1in and was wearing a black jacket with the hood up, grey tracksuit bottoms and black trainers.

Detective Inspector Alasdair Barlow said: "This was a violent and premeditated attack, and it is vital that we trace the two despicable individuals involved.

"Officers will be at the scene today conducting door-to-door enquiries as well as examining CCTV footage to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

"The incident occurred near to the cinema and there would have been members of the public in and around the shopping centre at the time.

"I would appeal to anyone who noticed anything at all suspicious to please get in touch as you may have information to assist with our investigation.

"I would also appeal to anyone who was in the area of Inverleith Street shortly after the robbery took place, who may have noticed a blue Skoda Fabia or two men acting suspiciously, to come forward.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact the community investigation unit based at Govan via 101, quoting incident number 2813 of Tuesday January 2. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where details can be given in confidence."

G4S also appealed for anyone with information on the attack to contact police.

Area risk consultant Duncan Watson said: "We are working closely with Police Scotland and I would urge anyone who may have been nearby and seen this attack to get in touch with the police or dial 101 so that those behind this attack can be brought to justice."

Meanwhile, police in Fife are hunting two men who tried to rob two newsagents in Glenrothes with a knife.

They left empty-handed from two RS McColl shops in Parbroath Road and North Street, and officers praised the "great courage" shown by staff who were threatened during the incidents.

The first suspect is in his early 20s, 5ft 8ins and stocky. He had his face obscured but was wearing a black-and-white striped top, dark-coloured trousers and dark-coloured trainers.

The second suspect is of a similar age and height with a medium build. He was wearing a dark grey hooded tracksuit top and light-coloured tracksuit bottoms.

Detective Inspector Chris Mill said: "Both of the staff members have shown great courage during what was a distressing experience and we are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry to trace the perpetrators.

"Given the distance between the two premises, it's possible that a vehicle or bikes were used and we're urging anyone in the local community who may have seen these men, or any suspicious vehicles in the area, to get in touch as soon as possible.

"We'd also ask any local business owners or staff members who may have seen the men described within their shop earlier in the day to contact us.

"Be assured that we will use all resources at our disposal during this investigation, but please remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to us on 101, always dialling 999 when a crime is in progress."