Three at large after Elland bank van heist
THREE masked men who held up a security van outside an Elland bank were still at large today.
The thugs – wielding a machete, a hammer and a crow bar – stole a substantial amount of cash from an Elland bank as a security man was making a delivery.
They raided the Lloyds Bank in Southgate at 11am yesterday.
It is thought they attacked security guards delivering cash and forced them into the bank, which was open and had customers inside at the time.
They then seized a large amount of money from the vault and made off in a Vauxhall Zafira being driven by a fourth man.
The car was found partially burnt out on Saddleworth Road, Elland, just before midday.
Police believe a white Ford Transit Connect van then drove away from Saddleworth Road.
Elland fire crews were called to tackle the car fire shortly before midday and the car was towed away by police for forensic testing.
A spokeswoman for Lloyds Bank said that although the bank was open at the time, no-one was hurt during the incident.
She said: "I can confirm that an incident occurred at the Elland branch.
"Staff and customers are all okay and police were at the scene as part of their investigation.
"The branch was closed and we apologise to customers for the inconvenience."
She added that she hoped the services at the branch would resume as quickly as possible once the police investigation was complete.
Workers at nearby electrical suppliers Robertshaw’s said they were unaware of what had happened until they saw the police arrive at the scene.
A spokeswoman for West Yorkshire Police said: "This incident involved three masked men who took a large amount of cash.
"The van had stopped on Southgate which was a busy shopping street so anyone with information is asked to contact police."
The investigation is ongoing and witnesses can contact Calderdale CID on 01422 337 085.
Share
