MASKED bank robbers attacked two Securicor guards with a baton before fleeing with a "substantial" amount of cash.

The raiders struck shortly before 10 o'clock last night as the guards were about to fill a cash machine at the Abbey National Bank, in Broad Street, Worcester.

The three robbers leapt from a car parked nearby, beat the men with a baton and grabbed at least one money canister containing an undisclosed amount of cash.

Then they made their getaway along Broad Street towards The Cross.

The two Securicor men, both from Droitwich, were treated for minor injuries and shock at Worcestershire Royal Hospital before being released.

Broad Street was sealed off until 1am while police carried out a detailed search of the area.

Det Sgt Tony Stead, of Worcester CID, said the robbers fled with a "substantial" amount of cash.

"This is a very serious attack and I'd appeal to anyone who saw the robbery, or anyone who thinks they may have seen the dark-coloured saloon car in the area, to contact me," he said.

Police say they will be examining CCTV footage recorded by cameras in the area in the hunt for clues.

"At this stage, we're not linking it to any other robberies in the West Mercia region," Det Sgt Stead added.

"There were quite a lot of people in the area at the time of the robbery and we have some witnesses.

"However, there may have been other people nearby who also saw something suspicious."

The landlady of TJ's Bar in Broad Street - who asked not to be named - said that, when Broad Street was cordoned off the police allowed the pub to stay open.

"Business went on as usual," she said. "We didn't realise anything had happened until the police came around asking questions this morning."

Any witnesses are asked to call Worcester police on 08457 444 888, quoting reference number 552S-270503.

Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A spokesman for Abbey National Bank declined to comment on the robbery.