THIS is the moment machete-wielding robbers threatened a security guard as he delivered cash to a shop.

Dramatic CCTV images of the attack have been released by police who are urging members of the public to come forward with information.

The 53-year-old guard was set-upon by three masked men as he delivered cash boxes to the rear entrance of the Co-op Late Shop, in Kirkway, Middleton.

One man, holding a large machete, and two others carrying carving knives, threatened their victim who was cut on the arms as he stood up to them.

A chase ensued along the service road and the robbers tried to threaten another guard to open the door to the cash delivery van.

He refused to do so and the robbers ran off empty handed. The attack happened shortly before 8.45am on Friday, February 8.

The guard suffered deep cuts to his arm and underwent surgery for a severed tendon which may affect the use of his hand.

The offenders are all described as white, between 5ft 10in and 6ft tall, of slim builds and wearing dark clothing and masks. They are believed to have left the scene in a dark coloured Audi car which detectives are keen to trace. CCTV footage also shows a man driving down the service road in a white National Rental van shortly before the robbery and police want to speak with him as he may hold vital information.

Det Cons Nigel Humphreys, of Rochdale CID, said: "As you can see, the guard was very brave to stand up to these men, who were armed with dangerous weapons, but he has suffered badly for it. We'd appeal to anyone who thinks they might have seen this car leaving the scene, or who has any information at all about this robbery, to come forward and help us catch these men."