POLICE are investigating a burglary at an inner-city Bradford bank.

Pictures emerged last night of officers outside Barclays Bank on Carlisle Street, Manningham, with the building cordoned off. 

The incident occurred just after 10pm, and it is not yet known whether anything was taken. 

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: "Police were called at 10.14pm yesterday to a report of a burglary in Carlisle Street.

"Officers attended and found that a room at the rear of Barclays Bank had been broken into.

"A search of the area was made but the suspects were believed to have left the scene.

"It is not yet known if anything has been taken.

"Enquiries are continuing and anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity is asked to contact Bradford District CID, quoting log 1487 of January 15, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111."

The incident had initially been reported by witnesses as an alleged robbery, with one saying the suspects had escaped and fled the scene. 

One witness told the Telegraph & Argus that when the police arrived, members of a gang of men were still inside the bank. 

He said: "We were told to stand well back, but you could hear police shouting and trying to break down the door. 

"I don't know how many men there were, I didn't see anyone come out."

In one short video clip, police can be seen at the front of the bank shouting: "Open the door now."

The building remains cordoned off this morning, with police at the scene liaising with members of staff. 

The side of the building is also taped off, with a door next to two ATM machines boarded up. 

A customer notice in the window read: "Sorry, but due to circumstances beyond our control, we're unable to open this branch at the moment. 

"We're doing everything we can to get things up and running again. In the meantime, please accept our apologies."

Customers are being directed to alternative branches in Market Street, Bradford, Idle, and Shipley

A spokesman for Barclays said that no staff or customers of the bank had been injured, and that it hoped to re-open the branch tomorrow. 

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