Three masked men tried to rob a Bingley supermarket in a daylight raid today.

Police were called to Tesco Express in Morton Lane, Crossflatts, to reports that the three men, armed with metal bars, had followed a security guard into the shop at about 8am.

But the raiders were forced to flee empty-handed as the alarm was raised.

A G4S security company van could be later seen parked outside as police officers guarded the scene.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman confirmed the raiders had been wearing masks and carrying metal bars but no-one was injured in the incident.

About half a dozen customers were inside the shop at the time, including at least two pupils of nearby Bingley Grammar School.

One of the pupils said he and his friend were petrified as they watched events unfold. He said: “They seemed to leave in a hurry when they realised they weren’t going to get anything.

“It was terrifying for me and my friend. We just stood there and didn’t get involved or anything.”

Councillor John Pennington (Con, Bingley) said: “We seem to have had quite a few convenience store burglaries and attempts in the last few months. The police cannot be everywhere all the time but maybe business owners and supermarkets alike possibly need to become more vigilant.

“I am sure they are quite vigilant already.” Detectives in Airedale and North Bradford CID are investigating the incident and inquiries were continuing.

A Tesco spokesman said: “We can confirm an incident occurred at our store. Thankfully no customers or staff were harmed and we are helping the police with their inquiries.”