ARMED RAID AT PETROL STATION.

Byline: Andrew Hirst ,

Gun pair rob guard of machine cash

ARMED raiders escaped with cash from a security guard in a raid at a Huddersfield petrol station.

Detectives were looking at links between last night's raid and other similar attacks across West Yorkshire.

The guard arrived at Birchencliffe Petrol Station on Halifax Road in Birchencliffe at 8.30 last night to put money into the automatic cash dispenser on the forecourt.

But as he got out of his van, a blue VW Golf raced onto the forecourt.

Two masked men got out - one brandishing a handgun.

They demanded cash from the terrified guard who dropped the cash box.

The thieves picked it up and jumped into the car which sped off.

The Golf - a new one - disappeared up Halifax Road and was dumped close to the Cedar Court Hotel at Ainley Top.

Insp Bob Davies, of Kirklees CID, said: "We have seized the car which will undergo a detailed forensic examination.

"Did anyone see the thieves getting out of the car and into another getaway vehicle at Cedar Court?

"Did anyone see them ripping their balaclavas off and get a good look at them?"

Detectives believe the raid had been carefully planned so the thieves could have staked out the petrol station in the days before the raid or been hanging around close to it last night before the security van arrived.

They could even have been observing the petrol station from the grounds of the nearby Briar Court Hotel or Da Sandro's restaurant car park.

Insp Davies said: "Three robbers were involved in the raid, but the driver stayed in the Golf at all times.

"We believe the other two may be white."

The guard was shocked, but otherwise unhurt by his ordeal.

Anyone with informantion should contact Huddersfield police helpdesk on 01484 436659 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.