A six-man gang crashed a vehicle into a Durban mall yesterday in an attempt to rob security guards, police said.

Spokesman Inspector Solomon Mbhele said the incident took place at the Pinecrest Shopping Mall.

A security guard had collected cash from the mall and was pushing a trolley - with the cash boxes inside - to a G4S security van when a Mercedes Benz pulled up in front.

"The white Mercedes Benz crashed into the mall gate, forcing it open. Six men alighted and accosted the guard and took the boxes," said Mbhele.

While fleeing in the Mercedes Benz and a Polo Playa, warning shots were fired.

Police said no injuries were reported.

The Mercedes was recovered a short while later. Mbhele said it had been hijacked from the Sydenham area over the long weekend.

Mbhele said a substantial amount of money was taken but that no arrests had been made yet. - Sapa