Robbers stole thousands of pounds from a security guard making a cash delivery to bank machines at Waitrose in Wolverhampton today.

The gang tried to force open the box on nearby Pool Street but ended up triggering an alarm, spraying the cash with red dye.

Police say the attackers struck just after 6.30am when a cash delivery was being made to the three ATMs outside the supermarket, off Penn Road.

One of the delivery staff was pushed to the ground but was not seriously hurt.

Detectives believe a black Ford Focus, registration CA07 UBC, was used by the pair to get to Waitrose before they switched cars en route to Blakenhall.

Det Sgt Peter Burrington, from Bilston Street CID, urged anyone with information to call officers on 0845 113 5000. “The offenders and the other vehicle may well have been covered in the red dye,” he said.

Electrician Tony Levy, 59, who was fitting out premises for SDS Electrical on Pool Street, told how he saw the cash box lying on the floor with £5 notes scattered around it covered in dye.

Waitrose would only say today the store was working alongside officers.