DETECTIVES hunting the Broadstone bank robber made two more arrests yesterday and recovered an imitation firearm.

Two Poole men, aged 24 and 26, are being questioned by police in connection with the robbery at HSBC in Lower Blandford Road at 9.40am on Thursday.

A third man, who was arrested at an address on Commercial Road in Poole a short time later, has been released on police bail.

Police were called at around 9.40am to a report that a man entered the bank and pointed a black handgun at a cashier before demanding cash.

Witnesses said he left the scene on foot before getting into a red car and fleeing the scene.

Officers, assisted by armed police, the police helicopter and dog units scrambled to the incident. No one was injured.

DI Pete Little, of Bournemouth and Poole CID, said: “Following extensive enquiries, I am now able to confirm we have arrested a further two men in connection with this alleged robbery.

“A 25-year-old Poole man was arrested at an address on Commercial Road in Poole yesterday, and he has now been released on bail.

“We can confirm that we have now arrested another two men we believe to be involved in this alleged robbery, aged 24 and 26, and both from the Poole area.

“We have also recovered an imitation firearm we believe was used in the incident. I can confirm at this time, we are not actively looking for anyone else in relation to this incident.”

He said a heightened police presence will remain in the Broadstone area over the weekend in a bid to reassure residents.

Anyone who witnessed the incident should call Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident number 04:80, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.