Police swoop on Hartlepool street as investigation into town's Barclays bank armed raid continues

An investigation into an armed robber on a Hartlepool bank has lead police to searches in a Hartlepool street.

By Fiona Thompson

Published 12th Jun 2020, 16:50 BST

Updated 12th Jun 2020, 17:31 BST

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Cleveland Police officers have been in Huxley Walk, in the Rift House area of town, in the wake of the raid on the Barclays branch in York Road at around 10.10am today, Friday, June 12.

A large presence of investigators has been seen in the street, with marked traffic patrol cars and vans used to close off access to the street from Bennett Road, with officers seen going into one of the houses in the cul-de-sac.

The force has confirmed the activity is “in relation” to the inquiry into the bank raid, which saw thieves snatch a “significant” amount of cash from the bank, although the amount of money taken and the weapon used in the alleged attack has not been revealed by detectives.

A traffic car closed off access to the street.

A traffic car closed off access to the street.

A 49-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the robbery and remained in custody during today.

Officers have appealed for help as they work on the inquiry and have said they hope drivers who have a dashcam recorder and were heading through the area at the time or anyone who witnessed the incident will come to forward as they piece together evidence.

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A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: “Police were called to a report of an armed robbery at Barclays Bank on York Road, Hartlepool, at around 10.10am this morning, Friday, June 12.

Barclays in York Road, which was targeted in an armed robbery, leading to the theft of a "significant" amount of cash.

Barclays in York Road, which was targeted in an armed robbery, leading to the theft of a "significant" amount of cash.

“No one was injured as a result of the incident.

“Officers have arrested a 49-year-old man in connection with the incident and he remains in custody whilst inquiries continue.”

Notices were posted in the windows of the Barclays branch telling customers it would be unable to open “due to circumstances beyond our control” and advising them to head to Stockton or Seaham’s counters if they needed to use its services, or to Nat West on the same street if they needed an ATM.

Witnesses or anyone with information or dashcam footage is asked to contact Hartlepool CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Officers have been on the street as inquiries continue into the bank raid.

Officers have been on the street as inquiries continue into the bank raid.

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The street was sealed off with marked cars as Cleveland Police carried out checks.

The street was sealed off with marked cars as Cleveland Police carried out checks.

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