An armed bandit has been shot dead while trying to rob a cash courier security guard outside a Gold Coast pub.
Police say the victim, who was armed with a gun, tried to hijack a cash courier service outside the Highland Park Tavern this morning.
The security guard and the bandit struggled, with the guard firing a number of shots.
"The alleged offender received a life-threatening injury and died at the scene," police said.
The security guard suffered minor facial injuries and is helping police with the investigation.
The incident happened about 7.40am (local time) and forced the closure of nearby streets as well as sending a nearby child care centre into lockdown.
Police have appealed for anyone who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area to come forward.
A crime scene has been established and investigators remain on the scene.
