ARMED ROBBERS HIT VILLAGE BANK (From Warrington Guardian)

ARMED ROBBERS HIT VILLAGE BANK

DETECTIVES are hunting masked raiders who burst into a bank in Padgate and threatened staff with a gun and sledgehammer.

Three robbers, with black Balaclavas over their faces, entered the small HSBC outlet at Bruche Heath Gardens at 10.30am on Thursday.

They escaped with a substantial amount of money after brandishing a sawn-off shotgun, which officers found in the bank later.

During the raid it is believed there were three members of staff inside the bank and one female customer whose husband was waiting in a car outside.

The armed gang escaped in a K-registration Honda Concerto which was found abandoned and burned-out 600 yards from the bank, behind The Stocks public house. Fire crews were called to extinguish the blaze.

One woman, who works in the newsagent's shop next door to the bank, told the Midweek: "I heard a loud banging and then a customer ran over shouting at us to phone the police."

Another woman, from a nearby shop, added: "It's frightening to see the bank robbed in broad daylight."

A spokesman for Warrington Police said: "None of the staff was injured but they were understandably left very shaken."

Police are appealing for witnesses and the bank is offering a substantial reward for information leading to the arrests and convictions of the robbers. Anyone with any information should contact Detective Inspector Ron Pearson on 01244 350000.