A security guard today spoke of the terrifying moment he was attacked and tied up by a gang of robbers at a Black Country scrapyard.

The masked raiders targeted Oldbury Metal Recycling Ltd in Parsonage Street. Bosses of the site have now put up a £5,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the crooks. The gang of five men got over a 13ft tall security fence from Popes Lane and hit security guard Len Millard over the head with a scaffold pole before tying him up with an extension lead.

They also stole the 56-year-old’s phone and keys to the site before searching for scrap metal in the raid at around 12.20am on Thursday. But they left empty handed as bosses had already emptied the site of more valuable metal.

Mr Millard, from Bilston, who has worked as a security guard for around 12 months, said he was “terrified” as the events unfolded.

He said: “I was just in the cabin and they just beat me up and tied me up. I didn’t hear anything beforehand. It was terrible, I was terrified. They were threatening me and wanted money.”

He said once they had got keys they left, but the attack left him badly shaken. It was not until 6am on Thursday that the alarm was raised when colleagues arrived.

He added: “I just felt helpless, I was worried what they were going to do.”

Boss Lee Stanley said today that metal theft was a big problem for scrapyards.

He said: “It’s a big problem for everybody. Our security is of a very high standard, but they are not bothered by camera systems, they are hooded up and just walk round.

“On the CCTV [we have] they are not in any rush, they just walk round the yard like it’s their own.”

The men were wearing hooded tracksuits, trainers and and their faces covered.

Anyone with information can contact police in Force CID, based at Smethwick station on 0345 113 5000.