Masked man robbed Nationwide bank before running through Trinity Leeds shopping centre

It happened at 10.30am on Monday, August 3 in the Nationwide Building Society on Albion Street in Leeds city centre.

A man wearing a black face mask and a dark hooded top entered the bank and approached staff.

The man, who is thought to be in his 40s, then produced a note on which he had written a demand for money.

He then showed the cashier a bag he was carrying.

The cashier thought that she could see the outline of a gun.

The masked man then made off with a substantial amount of money.

No one was injured.

Officers have described the man as 'stocky' with short hair which had a close shaved 'fade effect' around the side.

Detective James Entwistle of Leeds CID, said: "Incidents like this are thankfully rare.

"It happened on a busy street in the centre of Leeds and people will have seen the suspect leaving the premises and his movements afterwards.

"I want to appeal directly to anyone who saw anything – and/or who may have been taking photos or videos at the time to get in contact to help with this ongoing investigation.

"The man we want to speak to in connection with the incident ran off through the Trinity shopping centre.

"If you saw him or have information that might help call police on 101 quoting log 531 of today (Monday 3 August) or call the independent crime fighting charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”

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Thank you

Laura Collins