ARMED ROBBERY ON THE HIGH STREET
Police launch manhunt after raiders target bank:
THE town of Gorseinon on the edge of Swansea was shocked by a major armed incident which unfolded in High Street yesterday.
Armed officers from South Wales Police along with the force helicopter and dog units were deployed to the area around Lloyds Bank.
The road was sealed off, but the suspects escaped.
South Wales Police have said two men entered the bank just after 10am wearing blue overalls, with their faces covered and brandishing weapons.
Police responded in force as soon as the alarm was raised.
One witness, Darren Smith, owner of nearby business Custom Vapour, said a young girl from the bank had run into the shop “hysterical”.
And Jacque Pulling, who works at the Roma fish bar restaurant, which is opposite Lloyds, said: “One person said that he was getting money out of the bank when he saw two men, one with a crowbar and one with a machete.”
Armed officers were seen entering the bank and the road was sealed off.
A number of police units were deployed to the scene, including the dog unit, divisional officers and the force helicopter.
Witnesses reported seeing police with a ladder at the bank and another spotted officers on the roof.
One witness said: “The police have been seen taking a ladder towards the scene and there are other officers congregating at the Mardy car park.”
The road was re-opened around lunchtime, but some officers remained at the bank, one guarding the entrance. Police tape has sealed off the area around Lloyds. Police have said the suspects fled the scene so efforts are now focused on finding them and speaking to witnesses.
They have asked anyone with information that could help their investigation to come forward.
A spokesman said: “Arrest inquiries are ongoing and anyone who has any information which could assist the investigation, or who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area prior to the incident, is urged to contact 101, or 999 in an emergency, quoting occurrence 1800440811.”
■ Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.