THE armed gang who held up a security van and shot a guard in front of terrified shoppers in Newport city centre probably come from outside Gwent, police say.

And police are examining photographs of the robbery taken by a member of the public on a mobile phone.

The hunt was continuing today for four men, three believed to be black and one white, after a Securicor security guard was shot in the leg with a handgun.

Shoppers, including young children, looked on in horror as the raid took place outside the Halifax bank in Commercial Street on Monday morning. Police said the 55-year-old guard, described as a family man who had worked for the company for a number of years, was lucky to be alive.

The masked men escaped with "a substantial sum of money" in a blue or black Mitsubishi car.

A police spokesman said the security guard was in "a satisfactory condition" last night having undergone surgery at Newport's Royal Gwent Hospital.

Detective Superintendent Geoff Ronayne, the officer leading the investigation, said: "We are still keeping an open mind and are pursuing a large number of inquiries around the country and any links with Newport and Gwent.

"We are looking at the possibility that they (the gang) were locally based but it is highly unlikely because it is not normally something that happens in Newport or in Gwent.

"We are looking at the possibility the vehicle was not stolen and has been hidden away."

Det Supt Ronayne thanked the public for coming forward with information: "We have had a tremendous response and a lot of people have come forward as a result of the appeal put out yesterday .

"The local community has been enormously helpful. One person who took photos with their mobile phone has come forward and we are in the process of examining the images.

"I would urge others that if they have such images, to contact us." The car drove down Commercial Street and Skinner Street before it disappeared at the Old Green roundabout near Newport Castle.

Police are examining a security deposit box dumped by the gang at a roundabout.

Officers are also studying CCTV footage of the raid but he said: "The CCTV is not brilliant to be honest. Various experts are trying to get it enhanced."

Police have revealed that a second man tried to tackle the gang and help the security guard after they followed him into the Halifax. The second man was not injured.

A third man who gave the guard first aid has also been commended for possibly saving his life.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Gwent Police on 01633 838111 or anonymously on Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.