A masked man escaped with thousands of pounds in an armed raid at Barclays Bank, Writtle, on Tuesday afternoon.

Armed police were alerted around 2.40pm and the Essex police helicopter was used in the search for the robber.

Roads were sealed off as the Lodge Road drama unfolded, and a police dog tracked a scent into Paradise Road.

The raid at the tiny bank -- staffed by two women -- was carried out by an armed man wearing a stocking mask.

He pointed a handgun at the cashier and demanded money. No shots were fired. The robber, who spoke with a London/Essex accent, turned left when he ran out of the bank and disappeared near Hylands Park.

The British Bankers Association is offering up to £15,000 for the arrest and conviction of the robber, who was in his late 20s, about 5ft 8in tall and stocky, with short, receding hair. He wore a beige or grey jumper and blue jeans.

Anyone who saw the raider is asked to contact Dc Karen Evans, of Chelmsford police, on 01245 491212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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