A SECURITY guard was hit over the head with a hammer as he was delivering cash to an Atherton bank.

Four men wearing balaclavas attacked the guard outside the Royal Bank of Scotland.

The raiders stole a large quantity of cash and escaped in a maroon Volvo which had been stolen from an address in Cheshire.

The vehicle was later found abandoned and burned out in York Street minutes after yesterday's robbery.The security guard's helmet spared from suffering serious head injuries and he escaped with only minor cuts and bruises.

Det Insp Steve Nolan of Leigh CID said: "This was a serious attack carried out by a group of dangerous men.

"It was a very frightening ordeal for those involved. Officers were on the scene immediately and are already analysing the car used in the robbery for forensics.

"We have already had a great number of witnesses who have come forward and would urge anyone else who has any further information to please contact us.

"These men need to be caught before they are given the chance to strike again - next time the consequences could be a lot more serious."

Anyone with information should contact Leigh CID on 0161 856 7254 or Crimestoppers on free phone 0800 555 111.