Bank Robber Claimed He Had Bomb

Hoodie: Police Are hunting This Suspect

Police hunting a knifeman, who robbed a high street bank while claiming he was also armed with a bomb, have released this CCTV still of their suspect.

The Flying Squad are investigating the audacious robby, which occurred in High Street, Hounslow, west London on January 19.

The robber entered the bank at 2.40pm and approached a female cashier.

He intimated he was in possession of a bomb and ordered her to follow him, stating “come with me, and don’t press the alarm”.

She was forced to go with the suspect into a staff area, where several of her colleagues were present.

The suspect said “this is a robbery” and “I need the money,” and then showed them a kitchen knife.

Initially, there were no other customers in the bank, but a female customer walked in and was approached by the suspect before being threatened with the knife.

He then ordered her towards the back of the bank with the staff members.

Again he stated that he had a bomb and forced a staff member to hand over cash.

During the course of this, a further three customers entered the branch.

They were all approached by the suspect, who repeatedly stated that it was a robbery and showed them the knife.

He then fled with a sum of money, pursued by two of the bank’s employees, who followed him in the direction of an alleyway adjacent to a McDonalds and Starbucks, before turning into Balfour Road.

He was lost after turning right into Montague Road.

There were no reported injuries to the staff or members of the public during the incident.

Though the suspect repeatedly threatened that he had a bomb, no device was seen.

Detective Constable Adrian Whitewhick, who is leading the investigation, said: “This man has subjected members of the public and the bank’s employees to a traumatic experience in which they feared for their lives. It is imperative that we catch him.

“The CCTV images we have are of a good quality and plainly reveal the suspect’s face; do you recognise this man?

“He may well be local to the area and I would urge anyone with information to tell the police immediately.”