A GANG of four men laid in wait for a cash-in-transit delivery and then attacked the van with a sledgehammer while a security guard was inside.

A Loomis van was making a delivery at the Texaco garage, Blackburn Road, Haslingden at 6.30am today when the attempted raid occured.

The men then broke into the garage where another Loomis security guard was making a transfer.

They attempted to rob him, but he managed to lock himself in a separate room and the gang then fled empty-handed.

Nobody was injured.

Detectives investigating the incident revealed the men were lying in wait in a silver Vauxhall Astra in the car park at the back of the garage, before the attempted robbery at 6am today.

The car was found abandoned a short time later in Charles Street.

Detective Inspector Nick Hodgeson from Pennine CID said: “I would urge anyone that witnessed any part of this incident or saw anything suspicious in the area around 6am this morning or in the days leading up to the offence to contact police.

“Prior to the security van arriving at the garage we know the new registration Vauxhall Astra was parked in the car park to the rear of the garage so I would be keen to speak with anyone that saw the men arriving or leaving the scene.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Lancashire Police on 01282 425001 quoting log 0160 of February 8, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.