STAFF at a Swanage bank were threatened by a man with a knife who demanded cash, said police.

Lloyds Bank in the High Street was closed on Wednesday after the alleged robbery at the branch on Tuesday.

Now a reward has been offered for information.

A notice posted in the window of the bank, titled ‘Robbery At This Branch’, reads: "A reward of up to £25,000 may be paid to any member of the public who provides information in relation to a serious crime against the Lloyds Banking Group."

A spokesman for Dorset Police said officers were called at 3.05pm following reports that a man had threatened members of staff.

A small quantity of cash was stolen. No one was physically injured.

Officers carried out a search of the area and arrested a man nearby.

The Echo understands no-one was injured during the drama.

A High Street retailer told the Daily Echo: "Someone parked a car outside our shop, then a police car came up with flashing blue lights and the officer said 'sorry can you move on, we've got a bank robbery'.

"We went out and there was nothing else out there. You just don't have this sort of thing happen in Swanage."

A 39-year-old man from Swanage has been charged with robbery and possession of a knife or bladed article in a public place and was due to appear before Poole Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 15 March 2017.