ROBBERS armed with an iron bar stole cash from a security guard as he delivered money to a petrol station.

The gang, wearing balaclavas and dark clothes, ambushed the G4S guard as he arrived at Texaco in Albert Road, Farnworth, at about 10am yesterday.

They threatened him with an iron bar before stealing a large amount of cash and fleeing in a grey Audi Q5, driven by a fourth robber.

The car was later found abandoned in Harrowby Street and witnesses said they saw a silver or grey BMW speeding away from the street.

No-one was injured during the robbery, but staff were left shaken.

Iqbal Patel, who was working at the garage when the raiders struck, said: “The car pulled up on to the car park and they waited for the van to arrive. Two went for the guard and another came to the door with an iron bar. He shouted at me not to do anything and put my hands in the air.

“I did as I was told. It was really scary. I was shaking.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to contact them.

Det Sgt Rob Parker, from Bolton CID, said: “People should be able to go about their daily routine free from the fear that something as frightening as this will happen and that is why we are determined to catch those responsible.”

A spokesman for G4S said the company takes the safety and security of staff extremely seriously.

Anyone with information can call police on 0161 8565740 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.