A PUDSEY councillor has labelled a ram raid on the town's Santander bank as "shocking" after it was smashed in the early hours of yesterday morning.

The bank branch on Lidget Hill was hit by a van at around 2.15am, leaving the window frames bent and twisted from the impact.

When the Telegraph & Argus attended the scene, there was shattered glass strewn across the pavement outside the bank.

It is the second incident at the bank in over a year.

Councillor Trish Smith (Cons, Pudsey) said: “Clearly this is a shocking incident and local people are understandably concerned, particularly as this is the second time the branch has been attacked in this way.

"I am sure that the police will be undertaking a thorough investigation and I hope they are able to track down the perpetrators.

“As local councillors we will continue to work with partners and the police to help make our area safer for local people and businesses, including looking at any measures that might help to prevent such incidents happening again.”

Police were called to the scene after reports of significant damage to the front window caused by a van. 

Two suspects got out of the van but did not enter the bank - instead making off in a silver car being driven by a third suspect.

One of the suspects is described as a white male, around 6ft and wearing a black Adidas jacket with its hood up and scarf over his face.

The second is described as a white male, around 6ft and was wearing a purple jacket, bobble hat and with a scarf over his face.”

The van abandoned at the scene has been recovered by officers.

West Yorkshire Police is asking anyone with information to contact police on 101, quoting crime reference 13190398151.

A spokesperson from Santander said the team are working hard to reopen the branch.

Repairs began on the shop front at around 10am yesterday morning.

Speaking yesterday, they said: “We can confirm that an attempted ATM robbery took place at our Pudsey branch in the early hours of this morning and we are supporting the police with their investigations.

“We are sorry for the inconvenience caused while the branch remains closed and are working to reopen the branch for local customers as soon as possible.”

The nearest branch is the Horsforth branch - found at 42 Town Street, LS18 4AP.

Alternatively customers can bank via their local post office for balance enquiries, cash withdrawals and cash deposits or use telephone, online or mobile banking.

In April last year police were called to the bank branch after a man drove into the bank.

At the time West Yorkshire Police said a Ford Fiesta had crashed into the bank, causing damage to the front of the building.

Officers attended and arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of drink driving and criminal damage.