Two robbers got away on a motorbike with a large quantity of cash after raiding a bank this morning.

One member of staff had to be taken to hospital after being sprayed with what is believed to be ammonia by one of the raiders.

The pair struck at the Lloyds TSB in Blaydon, Tyneside, this morning shortly after 9am.

They walked into the bank at Wesley Court, The Precinct, threatening staff and demanding money.

"The men sprayed a liquid which is believed to be ammonia at a member of staff before taking a large quantity of cash," said a spokesman for Northumbria Police.

They then fled the bank and rode off on a motorbike, which had been parked around the back of the building.

The first man is described as of stocky build, wearing a black motorcycle helmet and a green combat-style canvas jacket, blue jeans and yellow plastic-looking gloves.

He spoke with a London accent and was carrying a second silver-coloured motorbike helmet.

The second man is also described as stocky, wearing a cream bomber jacket and a cream woolly hat pulled down over his face. He also wore gloves, dark trousers and was carrying a large Ikea-style blue carrier bag.

Superintendent Dennis Shotton said the area would have been busy at the time of the raid and urged anyone with information to come forward.

He added that it was quite likely the pair may have been hanging around the bank beforehand planning the robbery.

Investigations are continuing and officers are also monitoring cctv footage.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious is asked to call Northumbria Police on 03456 043-043 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.