Robbers fled with a substantial amount of cash during a late-night raid on a security van outside a Powys supermarket.

Four men targeted the van while it was parked outside Tesco in Welshpool last night.

Police today launched a hunt for four men and appealed for help and information to trace them.

Nobody was injured and no weapons were believed to have been used during the robbery, but officers said a “substantial” amount of cash was taken from the G4S van which was targeted, although the exact figure is not known.

Part of Tesco, in Mill Lane, remained cordoned off today while police continued investigations into the raid which happened at about 11.45pm, but the store remained open as normal.

Antony Topazio, communications officer for Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “Dyfed-Powys Police is investigating a ‘cash in transit’ robbery from a G4S vehicle at the Tesco store in Welshpool.

Information

“We are looking for four men in regards to the robbery. At this stage it’s believed that no weapons were used.

“We are now urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has any further information to get in touch with us.”

He said that as of earlier today no one had been arrested in connection with the robbery.

A spokesman for Tesco said: “We are unable to comment because the matter is now in police hands.”

Councillor Estelle Bleivas, the mayor of Welshpool, said she was appalled by what had happened.

She said: “I’m totally disgusted that some individuals out there can do something like this.

“I commend the police for the fast actions and hope they can catch those responsible sooner rather than later.

“Things like this rarely happen in Welshpool and I don’t want people to be frightened because we do live in one of the safest places in the country.

“However, if people do see or hear anything suspicious then they should report the matter straight away to the police.”

Witnesses or anyone with information about the raid, is asked to contact police on 101 or 0845 3302000.

By Anwen Evans