Robbers smash car through Leamington bank window in shocking morning raid

Rush-hour commuters were left stunned this morning when robbers smashed a 4×4 through the front window of a bank on a busy high street in broad daylight.

The silver Kia Sportage swerved off the road and into the shutters of the Coventry Building Society in Royal Leamington Spa at about 8.30am.

Police rushed to the scene and cordoned off the high street before removing the car from the bank at 10.30am.

One eyewitness said they initially thought there had been an accident

Officers believe four men, who were in the vehicle, fled the scene in a Vauxhall Astra which was then abandoned when they got into a grey saloon car.

Pictures taken by shocked commuters show the silver Kia embedded in the shattered front window with one tyre inside the bank.

Other images taken from the opposite side of the road show the scene cordoned off with two police cars either side of the trapped car.

Eyewitnesses tweeted pictures as the chaotic scenes unfolded and one said she saw men wearing balaclavas climb out of the vehicle.

Four men are thought to have got out of the car and entered the bank, before escaping in two different vehicles

Eleanor Bacon, who works opposite the bank, added: “There was quite a bit of commotion.

“I was looking out of the office window. I thought it was an accident to begin with.

“I saw a man get out and he had a black handkerchief over his face and the passenger had a balaclava on and I realised what was happening.”

Police confirmed officers were called to the bank after reports of a robbery and said it is believed four men made their escape in two getaway vehicles.

Police are still trying to establish what has been taken by the robbers

A spokesperson for Warwickshire Police said: “Police were called just after 8.30am to reports of a robbery at the Coventry Building Society on the Parade in Leamington Spa.

“It is thought four men were involved in the incident after a silver Kia was used to drive into the property’s shutters.

“The men then made off in what is believed to be a silver Vauxhall Astra which was later abandoned on Morrell Street.

“It is thought the offenders then got into a dark grey saloon-type vehicle.

“Officers arrived at the scene within three minutes and are still there making enquiries.

“The top of Parade to Hamilton Terrace (north bound) has been closed.

“The investigation is in its early stages and we are still trying to establish exactly what has been taken. We will update our website when further details are available.”