A gang of armed robbers was on the run last night after a gunpoint raid at a bank in Pudsey.

One woman bank worker was punched and others threatened when the masked pair entered Barclays in Manor House Street, brandishing a handgun, a sledgehammer and a crowbar.

A door into the cashier area was forced open and despite a ‘smoke cloak’ being activated, the men stole a substantial amount of cash from a till at 11.30am yesterday. The raiders left and were driven off in a blue/green BMW 320i which was waiting at the back of the bank and was driven by a third man. The car was discovered on fire later in nearby Longfield Court.

The car had false registrations plates R177HUP. Police inquiries have shown its legitimate registration to be N223 EFV. The car had not been reported stolen.

The robbers were wearing dark clothing. One wore a balaclava mask and the other a Halloween mask.

Detective Inspector John Dexter, of North West Leeds Police, appealed for witnesses.

He said: “This was obviously a terrifying ordeal for the staff involved and also disturbing for the members of public who witnessed the incident.”

The woman struck by one of the assailants was not seriously injured, he said.

“While we do experience robberies of cash deliveries to banks and other premises from time to time, bank robberies of this nature are extremely rare occurrences.

“This was clearly a well-planned attack on the premises by robbers who were prepared to use violence and intimidation to get what they wanted.

“I am keen to hear from anyone who has any information that will help us to track them down.

“I’m particularly interested in hearing from anyone who has seen the getaway car they used in the time leading up to the robbery, either on the false registration it was found with or on its legitimate plates. We also want to know if anyone saw the men switching to another vehicle.”

Witnesses or anyone with any information, should contact Weetwood CID via 0845 6060606 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.