Pudsey Bank Raid

Armed robbers have raided a bank in Pudsey.

At about 11.30am on Tuesday police received reports of a robbery in progress at Barclays Bank, in Manor House Street.

Two men armed with a handgun, a sledgehammer and a crowbar had entered the bank and threatened staff.

They forced open a door into the cashier area and stole a substantial amount of cash from a till.

A female member of staff was punched by one of the robbers during the incident but was not seriously injured.

The robbers left the bank via a rear door and were driven off in a blue/green BMW 320i which was waiting at the back of the bank and was driven by a third man.

This vehicle was found on fire a short time later in Longfield Court. The car was carrying false registrations plates R177HUP. Enquiries have shown its legitimate registration to be N223EFV. The car had not been reported stolen.

The robbers are described as wearing dark clothing. One was wearing a balaclava and the other a halloween mask.

Detective Inspector John Dexter, of North West Leeds Division, said: "This was obviously a terrifying ordeal for the staff involved and also disturbing for the members of public who witnessed the incident.

"While we do experience robberies of cash deliveries to banks and other premises from time to time, bank robberies of this nature are extremely rare occurrences.

"This was clearly a well planned attack on the premises by robbers who were prepared to use violence and intimidation to get what they wanted. I am keen to hear from anyone who has any information that will help us to track them down.

"I'm particularly interested in hearing from anyone who has seen the getaway car they used in the time leading up to the robbery, either on the false registration it was found with or on its legitimate plates. We also want to know if anyone saw the men switching to another vehicle."

Anyone who witnessed the incident, saw the men abandoning the BMW in Longfield Court, or who has any information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact CID at Weetwood police station via 0845 6060606 or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously and in confidence on 0800 555 111.