A man claiming to be armed escaped with just £31 during a botched robbery attempt on a Westcliff bank, police have revealed.

Target - Barclays Bank in Westcliff which was the scene of a bank raid . Picture: Steve O'Connell 85k5b1

The incident took place at 2.05pm yesterday at Barclays Bank on the corner of Hamlet Court Road and London Road, sparking a swift police response.

Now detectives are hoping members of the public will help them catch the man who fled shortly before police reached the scene.

Det Con Phil Smith, of Southend CID, said: "He didn't remain in the bank a long time and was given £31 more by luck than judgment."

Anyone with information should contact Det Con Phil Smith at Southend CID on 01702 431212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

Published Tuesday, March 12, 2002