Masked robbers held up a Crystal Palace bank at gunpoint on Friday.

Three men, all wearing masks and wearing dark clothing, carried out the robbery after bursting in to Barclays Bank in Westow Hill at about 4.30pm.

Police said the robbers, who witnesses reported had a handgun, made off with a substantial amount of cash.

No one was injured in the raid.

Police, who are appealing for witnesses, said they had not ruled out a connection to a number of armed robberies in pubs and bars in Lambeth last month.

Detective Inspector Andy Smith from Barnes flying squad said: “This robbery happened at a busy time of day, when there would have been a lot of people in the area.

"Did you see anyone acting suspiciously shortly before the robbery? We would ask anyone with information to get in touch with us either direct or anonymously as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should call police on 020 8247 8666 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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