Armed Bank Thief Escapes with Cash

Police are hunting a thief who held up a bank with a knife. The incident happened in a Royal Bank of Scotland branch in Lesmahagow, South Lanarkshire, at around 11.55am today. A man entered the bank and threatened three female staff with a knife, demanding money. He made off with a four-figure sum of cash and was last seen running across Abbeygreen Park. The money will be marked with red dye which burst over the cash during the robbery, police said. The staff were unhurt but extremely shaken, officers added. The suspect is white, in his early 20s, around 6ft with a slim build. He was wearing a grey tracksuit with a black scarf covering his lower face and was carrying a black backpack. Detective Constable Christopher Norton said: "This was a very traumatic experience for the women working in the bank and thankfully one that did not physically harm them. "I would like to speak to anyone who may have seen the suspect hanging around outside the bank prior to the robbery taking place or anyone who recognises his description or seen him running off afterwards. "I'd also like to speak to anyone who is presented with banknotes that are red dyed stained as the packs of stolen notes would be covered in red dye when burst open.'' Anyone with information can contact officers on the non emergency 101 number or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.