Armed robbers beat a security guard to the floor after trying to mow him down in their getaway car.

The masked gang struck at the Sticker Lane branch of Morrisons, Laisterdyke, Bradford, at 4.50pm yesterday.

The guard had made a collection at the store's bank and was returning to his van when he saw a light-coloured Nissan car driving straight towards him. He managed to jump out of the way, but was set upon by two men wearing yellow balaclava masks.

One of the men hit the guard in the face with what police described as a truncheon-type weapon.

As the guard lay injured on the floor the robbers snatched a bag containing bank documents and fled in the Nissan car, driven by an accomplice.

All three men are described as white. One of the masked men was wearing a light-coloured shirt and light-coloured denim jeans. The driver is described as in his late 20s or early 30s, with dark hair and a light beard and moustache.

The guard suffered bruising and cuts to his mouth. Neither the weapon used in the robbery nor the Nissan car have been recovered.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "The robbery happened at the entrance to the supermarket as the security guard walked across the car park.

"The gang attempted to run him down in their car, then hit him in the face with what appeared to be a truncheon-type implement.

"We would appeal for any witnesses or anyone with information about the incident to come forward.''

Anyone with information about the stolen bag - which was yellow and red canvas, approximately 18x18 inches - is also asked to contact Odsal Police on Bradford 376659 or 376872.

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