Machete gang in terrifying raid at Barclays bank are caught on camera

Masked robbers armed with machetes smashed a van through a high street bank window in a terrifying raid today.

Three men threatened staff at the Aldridge branch of Barclays but fled empty handed after ramming the van at around 9.30am.

The crooks reversed the dark blue Ford Transit van over the pavement and into the bank window three times before entering through the window on foot.

Witnesses suggested the raiders may have struggled to enter the bank because of a Christmas tree in the foyer directly behind the broken glass.

The raiders left the van backed up against the bank and escaped on foot

A Christmas tree in the foyer of the bank can be seen through the broken window

Haroon Qureshi, who took a photo of what appears to be one of the raiders climbing into the bank, said all three men ran away after just one minute inside.

The robbery happened just one hour after crooks struck at the town's Greggs less than a mile away. Those suspects also escaped on foot but the two incidents are not believed to be connected.

The bank has been sealed off by police but the Transit van has now been taken away and Aldridge High Street remains open to the public.

West Midlands Police spokesperson Gina Lycett added: "The men were seen running away from the bank towards Little Aston Road. Officers are in the area continuing to search for the suspects."

The Transit van is taken away from the scene on Aldridge High Street

Barclays said they are helping police with their inquiries and are hoping to reopen the branch on Monday.

It comes after the NatWest in Aldridge was robbed earlier this year.

Raiders threatened staff at the Anchor Road branch before fleeing the scene with cash on March 8.

Barclays said they would endeavour to reopen the bank as soon as possible

Councillor Tim Wilson, who represents the Aldridge Central and South ward, said: "It is shocking news to hear and not the first time that this has happened.

"A NatWest was also robbed quite recently and clearly for some reason Aldridge seems to be a bit of a target.

"I hope the police take the necessary action. The robbery at NatWest was this year, I think two people walked in and threatened the staff.

"It was only last year that there was a burglary at the post office, now both Barclays and NatWest have been hit.

"The police need to do all they can to reassure the public, as well as helping find the perpetrators behind the crime."

Anyone with information should contact police on 101.