Update: Police hunt bank robbers

Police are continuing to hunt armed robbers who held up a bank using metal bars and axes.

Offenders entered Lloyds TSB in The Strand, Longton, just after 2pm today with weapons before demanding money.

The offenders made off with an undisclosed amount of cash in a grey-coloured Seat Leon which has been found abandoned nearby.

There were a number of members of staff and customers in the bank at the time. Two women sustained minor injuries and are now going to hospital to be checked over.

The bank has been cordoned off by police and a search of the immediate local area is underway for the offenders and any discarded items.

Officers are taking statements at the scene.

Detective Inspector Jason O'Toole said: "We need to locate these offenders as quickly as possible."

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Stoke-on-Trent CID on 0300 123 44 55 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

We will bring you more on this story as we have it.