BANK staff were threatened and cash stolen during a robbery at a Bournemouth bank.

Police were called to Lloyds in Wimborne Road, Kinson at 9.44am and officers were told a man had threatened staff and demanded money.

An undisclosed quantity of cash was taken although no weapon was seen. An hour later, an ambulance crew pulled up at the scene and it has since been confirmed that one person was treated for chest pains.

Dorset Police officers placed a cordon around the bank and a search of the area was carried out with support from the police helicopter.

Forensic officers were also seen entering and leaving the building to gather evidence.

The same branch hit the headlines in December 2014 when an 84-year-old man was robbed of his life savings.

The man, who did not wish to be identified, is believed to have been followed from the bank by a criminal who robbed him of £2,200 in nearby Summers Avenue.

A spokesman for Lloyds Bank said: “We are aware of an incident which occurred at our Kinson branch in Bournemouth and are assisting police with their investigations.”

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “Police were called at 9.44am to reports of a robbery at Lloyds Bank in Wimborne Road, Bournemouth.

“It was reported that one man threatened staff and demanded money. No weapon was seen. A quantity of cash was taken. Nobody was injured in the incident.”

Mark Battistini, who represents the Kinson North ward, said: “It’s terrible. The ward is quite a safe area so I am shocked and disappointed to hear that this has happened in our area. But I’m glad to hear that nobody was hurt. At least everybody is okay.”

Lesley Edwards, treasurer of Kinson Business Forum who runs Ellie’s Doll Workshop in Wimborne Road, said: “My main concern is about the safety of staff there. The staff there are excellent.

“It is an unusual set of circumstances and we would be very upset if Lloyds used this as a reason to close this branch.

“It is incredibly important as it is the only bank on Wimborne Road and it is used by a huge community.”