By James HoreTERRIFIED bank staff are recovering today after they were locked into the vault by two armed robbers who escaped with a large quantity of cash.

By James Hore

TERRIFIED bank staff are recovering today after they were locked into the vault by two armed robbers who escaped with a large quantity of cash.

The pair, armed with iron bars, struck at Barclays Bank in Chelmsford at about 3.30pm on Saturday.

The two men, who were carrying holdalls, forced their way into the rear of the bank premises and ordered staff into the vault. They then fled with a "large quantity" of cash and other items.

Staff used their mobile phones to call police and ambulances were also sent to the town centre branch to treat victims for shock.

Essex Police released little further information about the bank raid, but appealed for witnesses to the robbery to come forward.

Both the raiders were described as black, quite tall and casually dressed. One was stocky and wearing a blue baseball cap, while his accomplice was slim and wearing a paler-coloured baseball cap with a distinctive sun flap covering his neck.

Detective Inspector Euan Wilson, of Chelmsford police, said the robbery had been over by about 4pm.

He added: "We would very much like to hear from anybody that has seen anybody acting suspiciously in and around Barclays Bank, High Street, Chelmsford, from the morning of the raid up until after the offence."

Essex Ambulance Service said it was called to the bank following a request from the police for treatment for six members of staff who were suffering from shock.

Anyone with information about the robbery should contact Chelmsford police on 01245 452291 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

james.hore@eadt.co.uk