POLICE have released CCTV images of the terrifying moment an armed robber entered a bank.
The man told staff he had a gun before stealing a large amount of cash from Yorkshire Bank in Princes Avenue, west Hull.
During the staff and customers' seven-minute ordeal, the man passed a note to the cashier saying he was armed and demanding money.
Detectives investigating the robbery have released three pictures of the man, taken from the bank's CCTV system.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Cunningham said: "The cashier was subjected to written and verbal threats and was obviously traumatised.
"There were some members of the public in the bank at the time, who also found this traumatic.
"We have some really clear images of the man we wish to speak to and are asking anyone who recognises him not to approach him and to contact police."
The images show the man entering the bank at 12.41pm yesterday, before leaving at 12.48pm.
He is believed to have waited in a queue before handing the note to the woman when he approached the counter.
The cashier handed him what police say was a "large sum of cash", before the man fled.
Det Chief Insp Cunningham said: "The note said he was armed and he also made some verbal threats to the staff and demanded money.
"He was given a substantial amount of money before leaving the bank.
"He left quietly and calmly, so may not have drawn a lot of attention to himself.
"We have no further sightings at this stage, but officers who attended have conducted searches of the area and we will also be checking CCTV.
"We would ask any businesses or residents who have CCTV to preserve it and to get in touch with police."
Police said the staff did not see any weapon and they are unsure how much money was taken.
Det Chief Insp Cunningham said: "Thankfully, this is a rare offence in Hull but it is one we are taking very seriously.
"We want to find the person responsible for this and bring them to justice as soon as possible, which will hopefully help the victim and the witnesses."
The man put the cash in a red bag, which he can be seen carrying as he leaves the bank.
He is thought to have walked in the direction of Duesbery Street.
Anyone with information about the robbery or the suspect should call Humberside Police on 101, quoting log number 244 of February 5. Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
