TWO masked men were thwarted by alert security guards as they attempted a robbery outside an off-licence.

The incident happened outside The Local, in Whalley Road, Accrington, at around 1.30pm yesterday.

Police believe that two men, thought to be wearing black balaclavas and carrying machetes, approached a Securicor worker as he made his way out of the shop with more than a thousand pounds in cash from the safe.

It is understood that the security guard, along with a colleague, were able to lock themselves in their van before the men were able to snatch the cash.

The masked men then fled following the botched robbery.

It is not clear whether they were armed, but no one was injured in the raid.

A Lancashire police spokeswoman said the security guards were being questioned about the attempted robbery as police tried to discover exact details.

She added: "Nothing was taken in the incident and the two men in balaclavas are thought to be between 5ft 6in and 6ft tall.

"Investigations are ongoing in to what happened."

It is understood the security guard had picked up the money and two men tried to snatch it from him as he left the building.

Police are appealing for information regarding the attempted robbery.

Anyone with information can ring 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers anonymously and free - on 0800 555111.