POLICE are appealing for information following an attempt armed robbery yesterday afternoon.

A man walked into a bank on West Dyke Road in Redcar at about 4pm and threatened staff and customers with what is believed to be a handgun. He then left empty handed.

The man is described as white, wearing a distinctive white coloured flat cap with a dark coloured scarf around his neck, and was carrying a dark coloured rucksack. CCTV enquiries in the area are ongoing.

Detective Sergeant Lewis Matthews of Redcar and Cleveland CID said: “It is imperative that anyone who saw this man in the Redcar Town Centre anytime on Friday makes contact with me at Kirkleatham Police Office.

“I am particularly keen to speak with a lady who approached the bank and spoke with staff shortly after the incident.

“This has been a particularly cowardly and pre-meditated crime which has fortunately resulted in no-one being physically injured but has understandably left staff and customers of the bank traumatised.

“I would like to reiterate the importance of anyone in possession of any information, no matter how insignificant it may appear to ring Redcar and Cleveland CID."

Anyone with information should call 01642-326326.