Robbers hit bank after money drop
A CASH delivery was made to a bank shortly before it was targeted by armed robbers.
Police are today continuing their investigation into Thursday's armed robbery at the Lloyds TSB branch on The Strand, Longton.
Three men entered the bank shortly after 2pm with axes and hammers, while one waited outside.
All the offenders were wearing black clothing and had their faces covered with black balaclavas.
They fled the scene with less than £950 in a suspected stolen grey-coloured Seat Leon, which was found a short time later abandoned in nearby Foley Road.
It is believed the robbers then got into a second car and made their escape.
Detective Inspector Jason O'Toole, from Stoke-on-Trent policing division, said the investigation was continuing.
He said: "Officers are gathering evidence and taking witness statements as we continue to piece together the events of Thursday afternoon.
"It is likely the offenders had access to a second vehicle after abandoning the Seat Leon in Foley Road.
"We need to hear from anyone who saw suspicious persons or a vehicle in their community on Thursday.
"The offenders may have discarded their clothing or head wear as they made their way to a second vehicle."
More forensic tests are being carried out on the abandoned Seat Leon today.
Yesterday uniformed officers from the Longton Neighbourhood Policing Unit carried out high visibility patrols in the town centre.
They spoke to shoppers and business owners and provided reassurance.
The officers have also been handing out witness appeal leaflets.
Keith Green, aged 54, manager at Goslings Butchers in The Strand, said: "People have been a bit apprehensive following the robbery and are wondering if someone else will be next.
"I normally go to that bank on Thursday afternoons to get change for the weekend, but I was running late this week so fortunately I missed it."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Stoke-on-Trent CID on 0300 123 44 55 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Related news:
AXEMEN: How we reported the robbery in yesterday's Sentinel .
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