SECURITY guards ran for cover today after a masked robber demanded cash and threatened them with a gun.

The Securicor guards were approached by one of two men wearing balaclavas. Detectives believe the raiders had been waiting to pounce from a car parked near the security van outside McDonalds in Greenhithe, near Dartford.

The raider with the gun demanded money and fired two shots into the air as the two security guards hid behind their van in St Clements Way around 9.30am.

No one was injured. But it is understood the duo then fled empty-handed in a white Suzuki Swift Turbo. The vehicle was later found abandoned along a footpath off nearby Bean Road. Police then believe the pair then fled in another vehicle.

Det Sgt Barry Stanford said: “Although no one was hurt the security guards are clearly very shaken and shocked by the incident but because they refused to give in, the robbers left empty-handed.”

Anyone with information is asked to call DS Stanford on 01322 283154 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.