CCTV: Robber waits in line to hold up Newport bank
[gallery] A brazen robber brandished a weapon and threatened a terrified cashier at a town centre bank before making off with a "significant quantity" of money during a daylight robbery.
The man walked calmly into the bank, waited in the queue and then robbed the cashier at gunpoint before escaping with a plastic bag full of cash.
Firearms officers launched an immediate search but were unable to find him.
Police believe the robber was holding a handgun and today released dramatic CCTV images of the robbery in an effort to find him.
The robbery happened at the Britannia bank in Newport's High Street, when it was full of customers.
The man, described as in his 30s and of slim build, wore casual clothes and dark glasses. He was either balding or had shaved his head.
Shaken staff at the Britannia were today holding a meeting to discuss their ordeal. It is believed they have been offered counselling.
The robbery happened at about 11.20am on Saturday, when the High Street was full of families doing shopping.
CCTV images show the robber casually walking into the branch, wait his turn to be called to the desk and then brandish the gun.
He is then captured leaving the bank, clutching a plastic bag full of cash.
Detective Inspector Billy Scott, from Telford police, said: "Although, thankfully, no-one was injured, staff and customers were understandably left extremely shaken.
"Firearms response officers immediately attended the scene. A thorough search of the area was carried out but unfortunately the man was not located."
It is not known if the man worked alone or if he had an accomplice to help him escape. Detectives are believed to be looking at security camera images from the High Street in an effort to track the robber's movements.
Inspector Scott added: "We would now like to ask for help from the public as we try to identify the man captured in the CCTV images.
"It is important we trace this man as soon as we can so anyone who believes they may recognise him is asked to contact us. We also remain keen to hear from anyone who may have seen this man leave the bank or noticed him in the moments leading up to the robbery.
"Newport High Street was very busy on Saturday morning and therefore we believe there may be people out there who can give us more information."
Police also want to speak to anyone who was inside the bank at the time of the robbery and who have not yet given a witness statement.
The robber was wearing a dark jacket, blue jeans and white trainers. He also wore a distinctive pair of very dark, wraparound sunglasses.
Anyone with information should call 0300 333 3000 or the anonymous charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
