Robber wearing balaclava tries to raid security van outside Tesco petrol station on Telford's Wrekin Retail Park

A blue G4S van was parked near the Tesco filling station at Wrekin Retail Park when a man approached the vehicle and threatened security staff.

Stunned motorists saw a security guard race into the petrol station kiosk, where he told the staff that was happening.

The garage staff immediately dialled 999 as the drama unfolded at about 8.40am this morning.

A driver, from Dawley Road, Wellington who did not want to be named, said: "I filled up at the pump and walking towards the kiosk to pay when I saw the security guard run across the forecourt from the side of the petrol station. He was running very fast with a case in his hand.

"I overheard him telling the staff that someone wearing a balaclava was approaching. The staff immediately phoned the police. The security van was parked on the slip road nearby.

"I wondered what was going on and I was taken aback when I heard what he was saying. I didn't see any of the incident."

No one was hurt during the attempted robbery at the site in Whitchurch Drive. It is believed the robber, who fled from the scene, was with an accomplice getaway driver. It is not known they had any weapons on them.

Three patrol cars along with two unmarked police vehicles with plained clothed officers arrived at the scene minutes after the attempted robbery at the garage, in Arleston.

A pedestrian customer, who did not want to be named, said: "We didn't see anything, but the staff in the kiosk said the security van worker had been attacked.

"There are lots of routes leading away from this place where someone could escape on foot. We told this to the police officer who came over to ask us if we saw what happened."

West Mercia Police spokesman Dan Butler said: "There have been no reports of any injuries and at this time no weapons are believed to have been used."

The filling station was open and trading as normal following the attempted robbery. A Tesco spokesman declined to comment.

G4S spokesman Michael Baker said the cash in transit crew spotted the would be attackers driving up to the vehicle at speed and the guard returned inside the shop. It is believed that the raiders thought twice and sped away from the scene.

G4S head of operational risk Gareth Skinner said: "One of our crew members serving a petrol station in the Wrekin retail park in Telford noticed a car approach at speed as they were leaving the store.

"Reacting quickly and showing great awareness to the threat. Our colleague returned back inside safely without endangering themselves or members of the public and the would be robbers fled empty handed.

"I would urge anyone nearby who may have seen anything to get in touch with the police or dial 101 so these brazen attackers can be brought to justice."

If you have any information relating to this incident or if you have seen a car matching the description in the area at the time please call Police on 101 referencing 0097S of 28 December.