Two armed raiders fled empty-handed after trying to rob a building society.

One of the raiders had a small black handgun but no-one was injured or threatened with the gun in the attempt on the Ipswich Building Society, in High Street, Manningtree, early on Saturday morning.

It was soon after the branch opened that the pair, who were both wearing balaclavas, burst into the office.

Insp Kevan Griggs of Clacton police said they demanded money from staff but they would not hand any over.

"The pair then ran out and fled empty-handed up South Street," he said.

"Police were on the scene very quickly and carried out a search of the area but they were not found."

Insp Griggs said police were keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at about 9.20am on Saturday and might have seen the raiders making their escape.

"Fortunately, no shots were fired with what appeared to be a handgun but staff were threatened," he added.

Insp Griggs said there was one customer in the branch when the raid took place.

He said both robbers were male and the one with the gun was over 6ft tall. The other was about 5ft 8ins tall.

They were both wearing dark clothing and balaclavas.

They are keen to speak with anyone who saw two men in dark clothing getting into a car nearby or who saw a vehicle making off at speed about the time of the raid.

Anyone with information which could help police should contact them on 01255 221312.

Published Monday, March 4, 2002