A man with a firearm threatened a security van driver outside an Essex branch of Halifax today.
The van driver, a man in his 40s, was approached by the suspect as he walked out of the Halifax branch at The Newlands shopping centre in Witham at around 12.15pm today.
The suspect made off in a silver/grey Rover with a box containing a five-figure sum of cash.
Essex Police has confirmed it involved a G4S security van driver.
A car matching the above description was later found on fire in nearby Blunts Hall Road and officers are investigating whether it is linked.
In a statement, Gareth Skinner, head of operational risk at G4S Cash Solutions, said: “At 12.30pm on Thursday 20 October, one of our cash couriers was attacked in Newlands Shopping Centre, Witham in Essex, after leaving a branch of HBOS. Fortunately our courier is uninjured but is badly shaken.
“Attacks on our employees are a serious matter and we will always seek the strongest possible penalties against those who threaten or harm our staff.
“We will work closely with the police to help them with their enquiries and I would urge anyone with information about this incident to come forward by calling 101.”
Detectives are currently inside the Halifax branch, while forensic teams are scouring the burnt out car in the search for clues as to who might be behind the attack.
Lorne Campbell, manager at Newlands Shopping Centre said: “We are working closely with Essex Police police following the incident.
“I would like to stress that the centre remains open for business.
“We would like to thank Essex Police for their swift response.”
The suspect is described as having a tanned complexion, was about 6ft tall, and wore an ankle length dark trench-style coat, dark glasses and a dark baseball cap.
Witnesses or anyone with information should call Essex Police on 101. Alternatively, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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