Police issue description of Nationwide armed robber

A police helicopter was used in the search for the raider but without success.

Inspector James Scott yesterday appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Two female members of staff and one male member were on duty at about 1.30pm when a man walked in and demanded "all" the Cooden Sea Road branch's cash.

When staff hesitated, the man produced a bag and, brandishing it as if it contained a weapon, threatened them.

Staff, who were unhurt in the incident, handed over the cash and the man ran off towards Barnhorn Road.

Police are treating the incident as an armed robbery.

The raider had been seen hanging about outside the branch before the raid.

He is described as white, aged between late his late thirties and early forties, and with a "scruffy" appearance and pock-marked or scarred face. He was wearing a knee-length blue-grey coat.

Inspector Scott said: "We are examining at the scene and talking to witnesses inside and outside the building society. The man was seen hanging around outside the society for some time before the incident and if witnesses have not spoken to police yet we would urge them to come forward.

"They can talk to detectives on 0845 6070999 and should quote reference 768 of the fourth of February."