An armed robber stole several thousand pounds in cash from a bank security guard.

Police were called to Selsey High Street, near Chichester, just after 12.30pm today (Friday) to reports a bank security guard had been robbed.

Police say a guard returning to his van from the NatWest Bank was confronted by a man in dark clothing and a black motorcycle crash helmet.

The robber threatened the guard with a weapon and forced him to hand over a bag containing several thousands of pounds in cash.

Police say the weapon was not a firearm.

The robber than ran off in the direction of Croft Road. No one was hurt.

Police sealed off the area and a helicopter was called in to help search for the suspect, who may have had an accomplice or accomplices.

Officers also carried out house-to-house enquiries in the immediate vicinity and alerted neighbouring Hampshire Police to the incident.

Anyone who saw what happened, noticed any suspicious activity before or after, or who has other information is asked to phone Sussex Police on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk, quoting serial 0609 of 9/5.

Alternatively they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555 111..