ROBBERS fled with a large quantity of money after they sprayed what is thought to be ammonia in the face of a security man.

A Securicor guard was delivering to a cash machine at a service station in Benton Park Road, Newcastle, at 5.55am yesterday when he was attacked.

Police believe there were at least two offenders who escaped in a car, believed to be a dark-coloured BMW saloon, parked in an adjacent car park.

The guard did not need to go to hospital. A 30-year-old man has been arrested in the North Shields area of North Tyneside.

The attackers were white, of average build and wore balaclavas.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0191-214 6555, ext 62244 .