Image released of suspect in attempted Horsham bank robbery

Image courtesy of Sussex Police SUS-141216-124603001

The incident occurred at HSBC Bank in Horsham town centre last Tuesday at around 11.50am.

A representative of Sussex Police said a man entered the building and pushed a plastic bag and a note through the cash scoop underneath the counter security glass.

The note told the cashier to fill the bag with cash in order to avoid being shot.

However, after the alarm was raised by staff at the bank the man turned and ran, heading right along West Street.

He is then believed to have made his way towards nearby Sainsbury’s.

The man was described as being very smart in appearance, white, of slim build, about 6’, with light-coloured goatee stubble on his upper lip and chin. He was wearing a dark grey Russian-style hat with fold down ear pieces, black square sunglasses, a black three quarter length coat which was double breasted with six large buttons on the front, epaulettes on the shoulders and hand cuffs, black trousers, black gloves and black shoes or boots.

He was carrying a black/grey messenger style bag with a thick shoulder strap over his shoulder. No firearm was seen.

Police have offered a £500 reward for information leading to a successful arrest and conviction.

Detective Constable Stuart Streeter of West Sussex CID said: “The entire incident was captured on CCTV and we are appealing for any witnesses to the incident, or any other information which may lead to the arrest and conviction of the offender.

“Thankfully, this type of incident is rare in the area but there was a considerable impact on the staff and members of public present.

“We are also offering a £500 reward for information leading to a successful arrest and conviction.

“If you can help in any way please email [email protected] or call 101 quoting serial 496 of 09/12. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”