A SECURITY Guard was threatened with a sledgehammer during a cash-transit robbery at a Wirral foodstore this morning.

Three men have been arrested in connection with the incident, which took place at the Co-Operative foodstore in Pensby Road, Heswall.

Security guards were delivering cash to the store at 8.15am when they were approached by four men armed with a sledge hammer and angle grinder.

One of the guards was threatened with a sledge hammer and assaulted before he was forced to hand over a cash box.

The raiders then turned their attention to the cash machine and stole a further quantity of cash.

It is believed they escaped with tens of thousands of pounds.

They got away in a silver BMW, which was found a short while later on nearby Fishers Lane and were seen to get in to a black 4x4 BMW.

A traffic patrol car spotted the BMW on Arrowe Park Road and a pursuit ensued - the offender's vehicle was driven erratically and clipped a number of cars.

The offenders abandoned the car on Arrowe Park Road and officers pursued on foot - as a result three men have been arrested on suspicion of the robbery.

Police have recovered an angle grinder and cash boxes.

Three men have been arrested and are being taken to a police station on Merseyside for questioning. A fourth man is being hunted by police.

One of the security guards has been taken to hospital with minor injuries and both security guards have been distressed by the incident.

A couple of motorists who had been in cars on Arrowe Park Road, which were clipped by the offender's vehicle, have also been taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Crime Scene Investigators are carrying out forensic examinations at the scene and house-to-house inquiries will be carried out.

Police are appealing to anyone who may be able to help them with their inquiries to contact 0151 777 5608, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.