City of London Police detectives are appealing for information after an attempted armed robbery in the City on a Saturday lunchtime. CCTV of the incident appears to show a man threatening a bank employee with a gun, before demanding £700,000. The bank’s security shutters were quickly activated, leaving the suspect empty-handed apart from an employee’s bicycle, which he initially used to make his getaway.The incident was made all the more remarkable when the suspected robber handed over his gun to the employee, before realising his mistake and seizing the weapon back.The incident took place on Saturday 22 October at 12.50pm at the Halifax on Cheapside. The man is described as male, white, 5'10, stocky build, aged late 20s to late 30s, unshaven with dark hair. He was wearing dark trousers and top, with a chequered flat cap. An e-fit of the man has been produced.A reward of up to £25,000 has been offered by Lloyds Banking Group for information about the attempted robbery.Det Insp Lee Bowen said: "This is a serious crime, the type of which is rare in the City, and we'd urge anyone who might be able to help us with our enquiries to get in touch." Witnesses can call City of London Police on 0207 601 2222, or call Crimestoppers anonymously.
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