DETECTIVES have launched an investigation after a robbery at the Nationwide Building Society in Westbourne on Monday night.

Police were called to Poole Road at 7.50pm following a report that a man armed with a sharp implement had stolen a cash box, containing an undisclosed quality of money, from a security guard.

The security guard, a 43-year-old Southampton man, was uninjured in the incident.

Detective Inspector Stewart Balmer said: “I would like to hear from anyone who witnessed any incident in the vicinity of the Nationwide Building Society in Westbourne at around 7.50pm last evening.

“I’d also like to hear from anyone else who has any other information about this incident that might assist us with our investigation and I can confirm that all calls will be treated in absolute confidence.”

Early Tuesday morning, following a planned operation, two men aged 43 and 23 were arrested at an address in Bournemouth in connection with the incident. They are assisting police with their enquiries.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 222222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.