MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A security guard was beaten by gunmen during an attempted robbery at a National Commercial Bank (NCB) automated teller machine (ATM) at Bank House Mall in Mandeville on Tuesday morning.

A police source confirmed that the incident happened about 2:00 am.

The source said the guard, who was on duty, was physically assaulted and had to be taken to hospital for treatment after the gunmen attacked him.

The gunmen reportedly vandalised the ATM but were unsuccessful in removing cash from it.

The Manchester police have increased their patrols close to ATMs and money couriers.

“We have heightened our presence where [criminals] might target,” said the source.

This follows Sunday’s brazen attack in Portmore, St Catherine on Beryllium couriers.

Three Beryllium security guards were shot while servicing an automated teller machine at Scotiabank in Braeton Parkway.

READ: Security guards shot in ATM robbery in Portmore; cops recover vehicles

Cleon March, the acting assistant commissioner of police in charge of crime, told OBSERVER ONLINE that the robbers in Sunday's daring heist of a Beryllium truck absconded with $23.2 million.

He also revealed that the cops are pursuing several excellent leads to apprehend the perpetrators and that "a breakthrough is imminent".

READ: ‘Breakthrough imminent’ in Beryllium robbery case, says cop

- Kasey Williams