Robbers fled with a significant amount of cash from a security guard outside a bank in Mid Wales.

The three men struck at the entrance to Barclays Bank, in Machynlleth, just before noon yesterday.

The security guard, who was working for a private security firm, escaped uninjured.

Police were today still hunting for two of the men, who are believed to be on foot, after arresting another man in the Welshpool area yesterday afternoon.

Detective Chief Inspector Shane Williams, of Dyfed-Powys Police, warned the public not to approach the men.

He said the money had now been recovered and that the two men, believed to be in their mid-20s, had last been seen in the vicinity of Gungrog Hill in Welshpool yesterday afternoon.

Extra police and dog teams from North Wales and West Mercia joined Dyfed-Powys Police in the hunt for the men, who dumped one of their getaway cars near the Flash Leisure Centre in Welshpool.

The police helicopter spent hours scouring the Rhallt area of Welshpool last night.

Detective Chief Inspector Williams said: “We are still looking for two further suspects, both white men.

“We are appealing for anyone who saw these men in the vicinity of the Flash Leisure Centre and Gungrog Hill, in Welshpool, between 12.30pm and 5pm yesterday to come forward and contact police.

“Their general appearance is believed to be smart and in their mid-20s.

“The theft happened at Barclays Bank in Heol Pentrerhedyn, Machynlleth,” he said.

“We know from witnesses that those responsible made off in a black BMW, registration GY06 PHA. This vehicle made off over the Aberdovey Bridge and was located soon after by police in the village of Llanwrin.

“It’s believed these individuals then made off in a white Mercedes, registration BJ59 SVF. This vehicle has been abandoned near the Flash Leisure Centre in Welshpool.”

A spokesman for Barclays Bank said: “We are currently working with the police to assist them with their investigations, during which time the branch will remain closed.”

Anyone with information is being urged to call Dyfed-Powys Police on 101 or 0845 330200.

By Anwen Evans