Policeman thwarts '˜planned' bank robbery in Chichester

An alert police officer spotted two men on a motorbike which was stationary outside an entrance to the NatWest bank in Little London at 10.45am on Monday, December 19.

The officer’s suspicions were aroused by their manner and closeness to the bank entrance, and as he approached the pillion passenger got off and walked away north in the direction of Priory Park, still wearing his crash helmet.

The officer then spoke to the rider. A 31-year old man from Bognor Regis was then arrested and later released on police bail until January, 31 while enquiries continue.

There was no violence and no weapons were seized.

Following further police enquiries two more Bognor men, aged 25 and 19, were arrested in Bognor on Monday evening on suspicion of the same offence.

They were later bailed until January 19 and February 2.

Detective Sergeant Sally Arbuckle said; “This was good work by the officer, which may have disrupted a planned robbery.

“However we would also like to hear from anyone who was in the Little London area or the northern outskirts of the town on Monday morning, and in particular anyone who saw the man wearing the crash helmet walking along nearby.

“A green Ford Mondeo was also seen driving around in the area at the same time and may have some connection with this enquiry.

“Anyone who can help is asked to contact us via 101 quoting serial 0415 of 19/12. You can also call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”