A BANK is offering a reward of up to £15,000 after an armed raid at one of its branches.

Three masked men, two of them armed with sawn-off shotguns, burst into Barclays, in Dene Terrace, Ryton, Gateshead, at 4.25pm on Monday and stole a quantity of cash.

A police spokesman said the men, who were wearing balaclavas and sleeveless fluorescent bibs, went behind the counter where they took the money.

They fled with a fourth man in a silver Vauxhall Vectra, registration A9TST. The car, which was stolen in the Prudhoe area in May, was found later in nearby Greenside.

A number of staff and customers, were left shocked by the raid.

Detective Inspector Steve Barron of Gateshead West CID said: "We are in close liaison with the security department of the bank, which has come forward with the reward.

"We are appealing for anyone who witnessed the event and has not spoken to police, or anyone with information, to contact us."

One of the men is believed to be 5ft 4ins.

Anyone with information is asked to call 0191-454 7555 extension 64344.