Bank Robbers Smash Into HSBC in Hedge End – CCTV Released!
Police have released CCTV images after a brazen robbery at HSBC in Hedge End. The footage shows two cars – a white Audi A3 and a dark grey Vauxhall Astra – rolling up to the bank on Lower Northam Road just before 10:30am yesterday.
Vauxhall Crashes Into Bank
The getaway drama unfolded when the Vauxhall Astra crashed headlong into the bank, smashing the exterior. One man jumped out and joined two others waiting nearby. All three stormed inside together.
Minutes later, the trio fled with stolen cash taken from behind the till. They hopped into the waiting white Audi A3, leaving the wrecked Vauxhall behind.
Masked Men Make Their Escape
- The white Audi, a 15-plate, sped off towards the roundabout at the end of Lower Northam Road.
- Witnesses describe all three suspects as white men wearing balaclavas.
Police Call for Witnesses and Missing Beer Barrel Clue
Detective Sergeant Claire Shawley said: “This happened mid-morning when there were lots of people in Hedge End village, so there are a lot of potential witnesses. We want to speak to anyone who saw these cars before the robbery or the white Audi afterwards.”
DS Shawley revealed some witnesses snapped photos and videos on their phones. Officers are urging those people to come forward, calling the evidence “vital.”
Intriguingly, police also uncovered a steel beer barrel left at the scene. The barrel is distinctive, with a white base and two blue stripes around the middle.
DS Shawley added: “We believe this barrel may have been stolen recently. Anyone who’s lost one like it should contact us immediately.”
If you have info on the robbery, contact Detective Constable Steve Roman on 101, quoting 44160121859, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.