A SECURITY guard has been praised for preventing two masked raiders from stealing thousands of pounds from a cash delivery box.

The two men struck as a Securicor van arrived to deliver cash to Northwich's Tesco store, in Manchester Road, just before 1pm on Thursday.

They tried to overpower one of the guards as he got out of the van.

But he managed to struggle free and ran into the supermarket before they could grab the cash box, containing thousands of pounds.

The culprits, wearing balaclavas, then ran away empty handed and were seen getting into an old-style Ford Fiesta, before driving off towards Lostock and the motorway.

Detective Constable Graham Gabbott, who is leading the investigation, said: "Nobody was injured and the guard was okay.

"What saved the situation was that he saw them coming, acted quickly and was able to get away.

"If he had not, there is no doubt these men would have used considerable force to achieve their aims."

The two men were about six feet tall, average build and wearing dark shell suits.

DC Gabbott added: "A number of customers were around, the store was heavily used and we feel the offenders would have been in or around the area, possibly some time prior to the delivery.

"I appeal to any members of the public who may have seen these two men to ring me on 01244 613234."