BROADSTONE is a community in shock following the armed bank raid.

The terrifying crime is the second armed robbery in this parade of shops in just over six months, after balaclava-wearing raiders wielding a handgun targeted Forum Jewellers in September, smashing their way into display cabinets and making off with the contents. London gang-member Oladapo Obadare, 20, was jailed for eight years.

Yesterday the HSBC in Broadstone remained closed with the shutters down. A sign in the window advised customers it will not reopen until Monday. There has been no further police activity in the area according to neighbouring shopkeepers.

Claire Cormack, deli assistant in Oakley Village Butchers opposite, saw the drama unfold.

“People are shocked,” she said. “It’s the second robbery now after the jewellers were robbed a few months ago – but it’s usually such a quiet little place.”

Broadstone resident Elaine Davis, 70, used to work in the bank branch and said she felt for the staff.

“It’s terrible. It gives me a little chill. Your first instinct is probably to say no you can’t have it – but you are taught to give in to whatever they say.”

“It was quite a shock,” added her husband Dudley, 73. “Crime levels are so low here. I think everyone knows about it now – there were police cars all over the place.”

“It’s not what you expect – but the way things are these days it can happen anywhere I suppose,” said Roger Smallpeice of the Broadstone Cobbler next door to the HSBC branch.

“I feel for the staff. We bank there and see them a lot. It must have been terrifying for them – very traumatic I would think.”