DETECTIVES are hunting a man who robbed a security officer after he collected cash from a Bournemouth shop on Tuesday.

The incident took place at around 10.40am outside Tesco Express in Shillingstone Drive, Muscliffe.

Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to the robbery to come forward.

Dorset Police said the G4S security officer had collected cash from the shop and returned to his van to deposit it inside when he was confronted by a man, who then demanded money.

The offender was dressed in black and was seen to be wearing a balaclava.

A significant amount of cash – the amount of which has not yet been revealed – contained within different coloured plastic bags, was stolen along with a set of G4S keys.

Detective Constable Jo Shewbridge, of Bournemouth CID, said: “I am looking to trace a dark green small vehicle with a hatchback similar to that of a small Mazda that left the scene with the offender.

“I am also keen to trace the occupant or occupants of a dark blue vehicle, seen in the area at the time, as they may have witnessed the getaway vehicle leaving the scene.

“I am appealing for witnesses, and anyone with any information about this incident, to contact police as soon as possible to help us with the investigation.”

Witnesses or anyone who can help with enquiries should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, quoting incident number 31:129.

Alternatively, you can also call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.