Gunmen in raid on bank

RAMRAIDERS armed with hand guns struck at a Warrington bank this morning.
A car was driven into a rear wall at Barclay’s Bank, in Lodge Drive, Culcheth.
The raid was unsuccessful and the gang of four men fled empty-handed.
Police were quickly on the scene, interviewing potential witnesses.
A spokesman said the raid took place at about 10.45am.
The raiders attempted to smash their way through the wall by reversing a white Volvo 440 car into it.
Having failed, they fled in a white Mercedes van they had stolen only minutes later from a nearby butchers’ shop, entering the shop and threatening staff with what appeared to be a handgun.
This van was subsequently found abandoned in Twiss Green Lane, near the Radcliffe Meadows nursing home where, it is believe, the gang transferred to a small, dark coloured car with a registration number believed to include PV03.
The spokesman said: “This may have been left there prior to the raid, or it may have been waiting for the men.”
A number of people were threatened during the attempted raid but, although badly shocked, none were injured.
Police are anxious to anyone who saw any stage of the incident and anyone who may have seen the dark coloured car in Twiss Green Lane.
Detectives also believe another vehicle, a blue Fiesta with a 56 plate, found parked at the rear of the bank may have been involved in the raid. It may have been the original getaway car but was blocked in by other vehicles, forcing the raiders to take the butchers’ van
Anyone who can help is asked to call 01925 613831 or the confidential Crimestoppers line 0800 555 111.
The raid – coming in the wake of a string of bank raids in the village – has shocked and angered residents.
Only last night the issue was discussed at a Police Community Action Meeting in the village.
The parish council has been trying to win support from CCTV cameras covering the village shopping centre – including Lodge Drive.
Coun Sue Bland said today: “This is terrible. It seems we are too handy for the motorway.
“This bank has been raided before – and so has the NatWest bank nearby.
“People are sick and tired of this sort of thing.”
Plans to instal CCTV cameras in Culcheth fell through several years ago, mainly because of the prohibitive cost.
But with new technology, a high tech system could now be installed at much less cost and traders will be asked to give a scheme their support.
*Police interview potential witnesses at the scene…pictured by a Warrington-Worldwide reader.