A MAN is due in court  in connection with an armed robbery at the HSBC Bank in Broadstone.

The 26-year-old, of no fixed abode, was charged with robbery and firearms offences.

He was due to appear before Bournemouth Magistrates on Saturday.

A 24-year-old man and a 26-year-old man, both from Poole, who were arrested following the incident have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Detectives have also revealed that an imitation firearm believed to have been used in the incident has been recovered.

The robbery happened at around 9.40am at the Lower Blandford Road branch of HSBC in Broadstone.

Officers received a report that a man entered the premises pointing a black handgun and demanding cash before leaving the scene on foot. It is believed he entered a red vehicle and drove off.

Officers at the scene were assisted by armed police, the police helicopter and dog units.

Nobody was injured in the incident.

Detective Inspector Pete Little, of Bournemouth and Poole CID, said earlier on Friday: “In order to reassure members of the public, we have increased patrols and deployed extra resources in the Broadstone area and they are likely to remain in place for the next couple of days.

"I am continuing to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this alleged robbery take place, or has information about those responsible to contact police urgently.

“All calls will be treated in confidence.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 04:80. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.