ARMED robbers threatened a security guard before escaping with a money box.

The robbery happened at 3.10pm on Monday, in Lingey Gardens, Wardley, Gateshead, as a Post Office security van made a cash delivery to a Londis store.

A security guard was threatened with a cosh.

The guard dropped the box containing the money and the pair made off in the back of a Ford Escort van driven by a third person.

The two robbers who threatened the guard were white and in their mid-20s. The first was stocky, 5ft 5in to 5ft 8in, with short, cropped, mousey or blonde hair.

At about 3.25pm, the cash box was seen being abandoned at the back of Hexham Avenue, in Hebburn.

A quantity of cash had been removed from the box. However, its security device had been activated and the money is likely to be contaminated with red dye.

Anyone with information is asked to call 0191-454 7555, ext 64145.