A security guard was attacked in a hold-up by three masked men at West Yorkshire's busiest shopping complex.

The guard was knocked to the ground during the robbery at the Ikea store in Gelderd Road, Birstall, shortly before 8pm on Saturday.

Securicor, the guard's employer, is offering a reward of up to £5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the attackers.

The store was closed at the time but earlier had been packed with thousands of weekend shoppers, with the crush even bigger than usual in the run-up to Christmas.

The robbers escaped with £10,500 but the haul was stained with dye after a security device in the box containing the money was activated.

The guard was carrying the money from a special security area to the vehicle when the gang struck.

Crime prevention officer PC Graham Ellwood, of Dewsbury Police, said: "As the security guard was carrying the cash box, one of the robbers shouted 'Don't move' and knocked him to the ground.

"The guard does not know what he was struck with, but fortunately was not seriously injured because he was wearing a security helmet."

He said the robber and two accomplices then ran off to join a fourth man waiting in a getaway vehicle.

He said all the men were wearing ski masks and dark clothing. Witnesses are asked to contact Dewsbury CID on 01924 431082.

A spokesman for Securicor said: "The safety of our staff and the public is of paramount importance. We are offering a reward of up to £5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.''

Stephen Whitelock, human resources manager at Ikea, said: "The store was opened as normal yesterday and is trading as usual today."

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