POLICE are hunting a man who robbed a bank with his head and hands wrapped in bandages.

The robber burst into a bank in broad daylight on Thursday afternoon before threatening staff and customers.

He escaped with cash after the frightening raid, which took place at Lloyds Bank in Station Road, New Milton.

Police said the man entered the front of the bank at 3.20pm before approaching cashiers and demanding that they hand over money.

Inspector Scott Johnson said the thief got away with a quantity of money, the amount of which has not been revealed.

He then left through the entrance and made off up Station Road before turning left into an alleyway by Lloyds Pharmacy into the carpark on Spencer Road.

The suspect is described as a white man, medium build, wearing a dirty, light coloured jacket, navy blue baseball cap, aviator style sunglasses, grey jogging bottom, white footwear. He had light coloured shirt tails hanging out form the rear of his jacket.

Investigating Officer, DS Paul Harrison said:"This man was very distinctive, he was wrapped in bandages which covered his face and hands.

"Although he threatened staff, no weapon was produced and no staff or members of the public were harmed during this incident. However this is a very serious crime with a significant amount of cash being taken."

New Milton mayor David Hawkins said he was shocked to hear the news.

"It is a real shock, you don't see that sort of thing in New Milton these days," he said.

"It must be someone from outside the town, he has got some blooming cheek to rob a bank during the day.

"This is a peaceful, quiet area, I can't remember the last time we had an incident like this.

"We have had a couple of shoplifters over the last few months and there were some problems in Barton with an organised gang breaking into sheds, but nothing like this for more than 10 years."

Mr Hawkins said he was sure the incident would be a one-off and not the start of a spate.

"It does make me worry more about the police stretching themselves thinly over a wider area as they are trying to save money," he added.

In 2007, the nearby branch of Ladbrokes betting shop, also in Station Road, was robbed by two men brandishing a gun.


If anyone witnessed the robbery or saw the suspect in the vicinity of the crime, please contact police on 101 quoting crime ref 44150127740, alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.