An "extremely shocking" daylight robbery took place at a Notcutts Garden Centre in Surrey as a cash box was being loaded into a van...

The robbery at Notcutts' Laleham centre took place at around 12.20pm on Monday when a van driver was carrying money from the store to load.

He was approached by a man who struck him on the arm before grabbing the cash and running from the car park towards Staines town centre.

Garden centre manager Mark Skinner said: "We're extremely shocked about the events that took place at the garden centre, but are thankful that nobody was seriously hurt during the incident.

"Obviously we are working with the police to provide any assistance we can with their enquiries."

The van driver chased the robber - described as black, in his 30s, 6ft 3ins tall, stocky and who spoke with a London accent - but lost him on Staines Road.

Surrey Police's dog unit and helicopter were dispatched to hunt the man who was wearing jeans and a black hooded top at the time.

Investigating Officer Detective Sergeant Carl Emery said: "The victim was caught unawares, as the whole incident happened so quickly. In this instance the van driver received only minor injuries but the outcome could have been much worse.

"The offender left the car park on foot before disappearing from sight and could have had a vehicle parked nearby to aid his escape. If you have any information please contact Surrey Police on 101 and quote reference SL/13/4736."