Lightning raiders who made off with handfuls of cash following a daylight robbery on a Basildon bank are being hunted by detectives.

The three men - described by police as black and athletic and wearing dark clothing - walked into the Abbey National bank in East Walk, Basildon town centre, at around noon yesterday (Thursday).

As they pulled balaclavas over their faces staff quickly activated the security screens, which immediately rose up from beneath the counter.

However, two of the men, thought to be in their 20s and with short hair, leapt over the screens as they rose and landed on the cashiers' side.

They threatened staff, although no weapons were seen, and grabbed an undisclosed sum of money from the tills before letting themselves out.

Detectives believe the three men ran off past Toys R Us in the direction of Long Riding and Nether Priors.

Nearby shop staff admitted they knew nothing about the robbery until police arrived.

Closed - Basildon town centre's Abbey National after the raid

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