Police in Widnes are appealing for information from the public following an attempted robbery at a Widnes bank.

The incident happened at 1224 hours on Friday 12 December 2014, when a man, armed with what appeared to be a handgun, has entered the Santander Bank in Albert Road, Widnes and demanded cash.

The security barriers have activated, and the offender has run off empty handed, heading towards Deacon Road on foot. Nobody was injured.

The offender is described as a white man, around 5′ 7″ tall, and believed to be in his early to mid-30s. He had a pale complexion and an oval face. At the time of the offence, the offender was wearing a dark coloured waterproof jacket, light jeans with flared bottoms, and black shoes with a white sole. He also wore a distinctive black and yellow knitted “beanie” hat.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have seen the offender prior to the offence occurring, or as he ran from the scene following the offence heading towards Deacon Road. Officers were quickly at the scene, and it may be that the offender has discarded his distinctive yellow and black beanie hat or his dark waterproof jacket in order to vary his appearance and avoid being caught. Police are therefore asking members of the public to be vigilant and report any such items of discarded clothing they may come across to Widnes Police.

Anyone who can assist with information is asked to contact Widnes Police on the police non emergency number 101, quoting incident 343 of 12/12/2014. Alternatively, information can be left anonymously on the Crimestoppers hotline 0800 555 111.

Police are also seeking to re-assure the local community that offences involving the use of what appears to be a firearm are exceedingly rare. Extra visible officers were quickly in the area undertaking a thorough search, and were assisted by the Constabulary′s Armed Response Units − officers with the capacity to arm if required. Widnes Police are making every effort to locate the offender, and anyone with any concerns should contact Widnes Police for re-assurance.