Guard attacked in failed robbery attempt

The attackers fled the scene empty-handed. Photo / Natalie Slade

Two men attacked a security guard during rush-hour on Auckland's main street, but fled with nothing.

The Armourguard employee fractured a big toe in the incident, around 5pm yesterday.

The guard was taking money to his van outside the TSB Bank on the corner of Queen and Wellesley Sts.

One witness said he saw two men running from the bank towards a "banged up-looking" getaway car, where a third person appeared to be waiting for them.

"They got in and within one or two seconds, they just sped off.

"I saw one of the guys' faces clearly - he wasn't wearing a mask. But it was so quick," said the man, who did not want to be named.

The car, thought to be a 1990s model, sped down the wrong side of the road on neighbouring Lorne St - a one-way street - in front of the Auckland Public Library. A police helicopter was circling the area within half an hour of the attempted robbery.

Officials at police northern communications said it appeared nothing had been stolen.

They asked any witnesses to come forward.