AN APPEAL has been launched after a security van guard was robbed of a cash box – which police say contained a "substantial" sum of money.

Officers say the robbery took place in Southampton in the early hours of Saturday, May 11.

At around 12.50am, a security van was making a cash delivery at Santander in Burgess Road when it was targeted.

The security guard was struck, causing bruising to his wrist, and a cash box taken.

The box contained a substantial amount of cash.

Police do not have any details about the suspect(s) at this time.

A Hampshire Police spokesperson said: "Did you see or hear anything suspicious in Burgess Road or the surrounding area?

"Maybe you heard people running or getting into a vehicle and leaving at high speed.

"Does anyone you know suddenly have a lot of cash?

"The cash box is quite distinctive and may have been disguarded or disposed of. Have you seen this?"

"If you were driving in the Burgess Road area at the time and have dash cam footage, this may also help our investigation."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting 44190161646.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.