Security guard held at gunpoint

8:31am Tuesday 30th December 2003

AN armed gang is being hunted after a security guard was held at gunpoint in a bus station.

Union members have now voiced concerns about safety at the Newlands depot in Octagon Parade, High Wycombe, after five balaclava-clad men made off with a "large" amount of cash on Sunday last week.

Bus driver Alan Birch, secretary of the 1/290 branch of the Transport and General Workers Union, said: "We are obviously worried about our staff.

"That is the third time we have been broken into. That is about five times in the past month. We want some undertaking that our staff are going to be protected."

One employee, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: "We are concerned about the safety of drivers and the managers who work at the garage."

Brian Drury, commercial director of Arriva the Shires and Essex, said: "Clearly the safety of our employees is paramount. In addition to working closely with the police to identify those responsible, we will of course take any advice from the police on any security changes which may be needed at the bus station."

One member of the gang pointed a gun at the security guard's head and marched him downstairs. They then held the guard at gunpoint as they attacked the cash machine which drivers pay their takings into with a metal implement before removing cash.

The security man was not hurt but left shocked.

Detective Sergeant Mike Wallen said: "I am keen to speak to anyone who saw a gang of five men entering the bus station from the direction of Lily's Walk at around 2.15am, or who may have seen five men leaving the bus station at around 2.40am."

The men were all wearing dark clothing and balaclavas.

One man was wearing a beige top and two of the men were white.

If you have information call police on 08458 505 505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.