ARMED robbers got away with thousands of pounds after attacking security guards outside the Tesco store in Dunmow on Tuesday (November 28). The two Group 4 Securicor (G4S) officers were filling up the automated telling machine (ATM) at the store when they

ARMED robbers got away with thousands of pounds after attacking security guards outside the Tesco store in Dunmow on Tuesday (November 28).

The two Group 4 Securicor (G4S) officers were filling up the automated telling machine (ATM) at the store when they were approached by two men who threatened them with handguns and told them to hand over a five-figure sum of money.

The two robbers, who were both wearing dark clothing and black balaclavas, then drove off in a stolen silver Audi TT car which was later found abandoned in High Meadow, Dunmow.

It is believed they then got into another, unidentified vehicle and drove away.

Investigating officer Det Con Micky Bennett, said: "This robbery was carried out in broad daylight so we are looking to speak to any motorists or pedestrians who were in the vicinity of the supermarket at the time and saw anyone behaving suspiciously.

"Indeed, we believe these attackers were in the area for days or even weeks leading up to the robbery and the appeal for information is extended to anyone who may have seen anyone loitering suspiciously near Tesco.

"Anyone who saw these men should contact us as they would help us with our investigations."

Brian Mansfield, a Tesco employee, was in the car park the attack took place.

"I was sitting in my car at the time. I saw the van pull up as it usually does and thought nothing of it," he said. "It was only when I saw a regular customer, who had been standing in the car park chatting, suddenly run over back towards the store that I realised something had happened.

"I thought that someone must have been run over because all these people suddenly started crowding around the ATMs."

Armed police and an air support unit searched for several hours for the robbers, but to no avail.

Matt Dransfield, a spokesman for Tesco Personal Finance, the company responsible for the ATMs, said: "The staff at the store were unaware that anything was happening. The panic button that alerted the police was pressed by one of the G4S guards."

A spokesman for G4S said; "We can confirm that two of our couriers were attacked during an incident in Great Dunmow, Essex at 12.20pm on November 28. There were no injuries to our couriers."

He could not comment on how much money was stolen.

The 35 and 51-year-old male security officers were uninjured and are said to be recovering from their ordeal.

The robbers are described as white, about 5ft 8in tall, well built and aged in their 30s. Police urge anyone with any information of this robbery to contact Braintree police station on 01376 551312.