TWO masked men stole a cash box after pushing a security guard to the ground.

The balaclava-clad robbers struck outside Lloyds TSB in Victoria Road, Consett at about 12.30pm today.

A spokesman for Durham police said: “A security guard who had just completed a delivery to the bank was pushed to the ground by a masked man who stole a cashbox and ran off. The cashbox contained a large amount of cash.

“No weapons appear to have been used and the security guard was uninjured.”

One of the men is described as 5ft 7ins tall, of large, stocky build, dressed all in black, including a black balaclava. The second man was similarly dressed.

They left the scene in a gold coloured estate car, which was later found abandoned in Delves Lane. It is believed they have then headed off on a motor bike.

Police enquiries are under way and anyone who can help is asked to ring Consett CID on 101.