A ROBBER burst into a town bank in broad daylight on Thursday afternoon and threatened staff and customers before getting away with cash.

Hampshire Police said the man entered the Lloyds branch in New Milton at around 3.30pm and threatened those inside with a weapon, although he did not visibly produce one.

Inspector Scott Johnson said the thief got away with a quantity of money, the amount of which has not been revealed.

Officers cordoned off the scene of the incident, which occurred at around 3.30pm in Station Road, and forensics experts carried out an examination.

Police conducted a search of the area to try to locate the robber, but no arrests have yet been made.

A spokesman this evening said lines of enquiry were being pursued before a decision on whether to issue a witness appeal and description of the offender was made.

New Milton mayor David Hawkins said he was shocked to hear the news.

"It is a real shock, you don't see that sort of thing in New Milton these days," he said.

"It must be someone from outside the town, he has got some blooming cheek to rob a bank during the day.

"This is a peaceful, quiet area, I can't remember the last time we had an incident like this.

"We have had a couple of shoplifters over the last few months and there were some problems in Barton with an organised gang breaking into sheds, but nothing like this for more than 10 years."

Daily Echo:

Mr Hawkins said he was sure the incident would be a one-off and not the start of a spate.

"It does make me worry more about the police stretching themselves thinly over a wider area as they are trying to save money," he added.

In 2007, the nearby branch of Ladbrokes betting shop, also in Station Road, was robbed by two men brandishing a gun.