A SECURITY van driver has been held up by a robber outside the Templars Square Shopping Centre in Cowley.

The G4S employee, who is believed to be relatively unharmed, was walking back to the vehicle from Barclays bank when he was set upon by an individual, it was claimed.

Police have said that a cash box was taken but it was empty.

A fellow G4S employee who has since arrived at the scene, and who we have agreed not to name, said: “One of our drivers had come to pick up money from Barclays and on the way back he was attacked outside the front of the shopping centre.

“He was part of a one man crew and so we have now joined him at the scene.

“He is alright, they have examined him.”

He said the firm could not disclose at this time how much money had been stolen and that he did not have any details about the attacker.

He added: “They pulled the box from him and got away.

“Our policy is to tell drivers to just release the box if an incident like this happens.”

Police have cordoned off an area in Between Towns Road around the van.

Thames Valley Police confirmed the incident was a robbery and that it happened at about 12.15pm.

The offender who attempted to rob the G4S employee, is described as being black, of large build, about 5ft 5in, bearded, and was wearing a jacket “with blue detail” and a fisherman-type hat.

He was seen fleeing on foot in the direction of Rose Hill.

Those with information should call Thames Valley Police on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Darren Bowler, operations manager at Templars Cowley Shopping Centre, said: "We are assisting Thames Valley Police with their enquiries.

"We are reviewing CCTV footage."

Mr Bowler said he could not say at the moment if the van had made a collection from any of the shopping centre's stores.

The shopping centre remains open.

More to follow.

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