POLICE are hunting a gang of armed robbers who targeted a bank in broad daylight.

An armed response team was sent to the HSBC bank in Redcar, east Cleveland, at around 4pm this afternoon after the alarm was raised.

It has not been disclosed whether the raiders escaped with any cash after forcing their way into the premises on Queen Street.

Cleveland Police launched the air support unit in a bid to find the gang as they fled the scene.

And officers sealed off a back alley on Station Road, which runs towards the rear entrance of the town centre bank, as forensic teams carried out a search of the area, including a number of vehicles that were parked in the alleyway.

Tonight, several officers remained on the scene as they stood guard outside the two entrances to the bank.

Eye witnesses claim up to five men were involved in the robbery, but Cleveland Police was releasing few details about the incident.

Witness Tony Robertson said: "I'm sure I saw a gang of around five men come rushing out of the alleyway, but didn't realise what was happening until all the police cars arrived. I was really shocked when I found out what happened."

And Roxanne Chisholm, who works in the nearby pub The Standard, said: "The officers were all over the place and they were telling people to keep out of the way and not touch anything."

Another witness, Sarah Bullock added: "The police were talking to everyone who was in the area, but no one is sure about what exactly happened."

Acting Inspector Martin Atwell, of Cleveland Police, said: "There is not too many details relating to the incident at the minute as the officers had to close down the scene as night fell. Forensic teams will continue their search in the morning."

Anyone who witnessed the robbery or may have any information relating to the incident is urged to call Cleveland Police on 01642-326326.