POLICE are hunting a bogus security man who stole more than £20,000 from a garage.

The thief, dressed in a uniform and posing as a security guard, walked into the Jet service station at the side of the A181 at Wheatley Hill, County Durham, at 11.45am yesterday.

Staff at the garage, who had been expecting a Securitas driver to collect takings, handed over more than £20,000 in bank notes and coins in cash bags.

A member of staff became suspicious and went to check the caller's vehicle.On realising that he had vanished, she raised the alarm.

Initially, police were concerned for the safety of the genuine security guard, but he and his vehicle were subsequently found in the Hartlepool area.

All the company's other vehicles and drivers have also been accounted for.

Detective Sergeant Kevin Langan, of Peterlee police, said that while there was no sign of a vehicle, it was likely that the bogus caller had used one.

"We would like to talk to anyone who was at the service station or who was passing by, who noticed anyone or any vehicle acting suspiciously," he said.

Witnesses are asked ring Peterlee police on 0191-586 2621 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.