POLICE have released CCTV footage in a bid to track down the masked raiders who attempted to rob a bank in Southampton.

The men entered the Santander branch in Burgess Road at about 10.14am on Tuesday, brandishing what were believed to be hammers.

They threatened staff before leaving the scene empty-handed.

Police have now released an image of the van used by the raiders to get away from the scene, which was seen driving away from the city up The Avenue.

Detective Constable Janine Bradley, from the Western Investigation Team, said: “We are appealing for witnesses to help us track down a small white van used by the suspects to get away from the scene.

"It was described as having 2, possibly 3 occupants and had silver tinted film on its rear windows.

"We are particularly interested to speak to the driver of a white, mini-bus style vehicle who had to slam his breaks on in Burgess Road, as the white van sped away from the lay-by outside of the bank.

"The van was last seen driving away from the city towards the Avenue, but it is possible it may have turned into residential side streets around the Bassett Road or Glen Eyre Road area."

"Please be vigilant, if you come across an abandoned vehicle fitting the description or even the vehicle registration plates 'YK03 FHG', do not approach the van, but contact police on 101 quoting 44150259266.”