Robbers have targeted a cash in transit guard outside a bank in Chessington, according to shopkeepers.

Police cordoned off North Parade at about 4pm today and a number of shops along the parade have been forced to close early.

Janet Milroy from the Queen Elizabeth Foundation charity shop said: “It is all taped off nobody can get in here. We are just leaving. Shops have had to shut down.

"Police are everywhere. We have been led to believe that the vans that carry and deliver money to banks – somebody has tried to rob them.

"We think we heard gunshots but I can’t confirm that."

David Akar, from Rhona’s cafe and restaurant, said: “Two guys robbed the bank’s secure car. There were police here within five minutes. It happened so quickly.

"I think they got away."