DETECTIVES are hunting armed robbers who attacked a cash van outside a Poole building society.

Police, including the armed response unit, sealed off the area around the Nationwide in Ashley Road, Parkstone, at around 10.20pm on Monday and the force helicopter searched the area.

Yesterday, a lane between Edward Road, where the Nationwide’s cash machine is located, and Richmond Road was taped off and police officers stood guard.

Two security guards were attacked by two suspects who used a blade and a heavy instrument and made off with a quantity of cash, the amount of which has not been revealed.

The security guards were treated for minor injuries, police said.

One Edward Road resident, Paul Phillips, said: “I saw the police at about midnight because I got woken up.

“It’s enough to make anyone shaken up. I’ve never seen anything as bad as this here and I’ve been here for 42 years.

“You see it so much on TV but you don’t expect it on your doorstep.”

Neighbour Ali Clarke added: “I heard the commotion.

I looked out of the window and saw the police out there and they have been checking under cars.

“We’ve lived here for 12 years and not seen anything like this before.

“They were taking photos and things as well.

“I hope the guys involved are alright.”

Parkstone resident Brad White said: “My wife was walking the dog when the police came.

"She heard a van was robbed and they got away.”

Stephen Young, who lives near the scene, said: “I was just walking down the road when five police cars came tearing past me. I could tell it was something serious.”

Police would like to hear from any witnesses who saw suspicious activity or vehicles moving off at speed from the scene. Call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting incident number 03:496.