POLICE are appealing to the public to send in mobile phone images capturing the moment a security guard was robbed at gunpoint.The robbery took place outside the Lloyds TSB bank branch in Nacton Road yesterday when three men held-up the Securicor employee, making off with an undisclosed quantity of cash.

POLICE are appealing to the public to send in mobile phone images capturing the moment a security guard was robbed at gunpoint.

The robbery took place outside the Lloyds TSB bank branch in Nacton Road yesterday when three men held-up the Securicor employee, making off with an undisclosed quantity of cash.

Securicor staff visited the branch just after 10am. When the guard returned to the blue Securicor van, which was parked directly outside the bank, a man ran up behind him holding what appeared to be a handgun.

The offender and two further men pushed the security guard against the back of the van and made demands.

All three men ran from the scene with a quantity of money towards Nacton Crescent. It is thought the men got into a white Ford Sierra, which was later found abandoned in Coniston Square, in Ipswich.

A Suffolk police spokeswoman said there were no reports of any injuries and no shots were fired during the incident.

Detective Sergeant Carl Fisher said: “We are very keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed this incident or saw the men prior to the incident taking place.

“The area was particularly busy with people shopping and cars and buses driving by. We would also like to hear from anyone who may have captured images on their mobile phones.”

Staff from neighbouring shops revealed how they heard a commotion outside on the pavement and saw three men holding the guard and pointing a gun at him.

One eyewitness said: “I heard lots of shouting and when I looked out of the window I could see a gun pointing at the driver's head.

“It was very frightening - I immediately called the police who got up here very quickly.”

The witness said she had heard from another shop worker that the men told the guard if he did not hand over the money, they would shoot him.

Another witness said: “It was all a bit of a blur. I was at the front of the shop looking out when I saw it happen, but I couldn't believe what was going on.

“It all took place at the back of the van, as soon as the driver had got the money out of the back I think. I'm still in shock.”

Detectives were quickly on the scene, as police cordoned off the area outside a parade of shops and the Landseer Road mini-roundabout.

Officers remained on scene during the morning while police spoke to witnesses and checked the area.

The ambulance service attended the incident to treat the driver, although a spokesman said he suffered no injuries.

The first man is described as black, of stocky build and just under 6ft tall. He was wearing a dark-hooded anorak and a dark-coloured checked scarf around his face.

The second man wore a hooded fawn duffel-style coat. The third man wore a blue fleece.

Anyone with any information should contact Ipswich CID on 01473 613500 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.