Village bank remains shut after robbery

Two men burst into The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), on Main Road, Hathersage, and made off with a “substantial” amount of money in a holdall shortly before 9am.

A spokesman for RBS said: “We’re working to ensure the branch can reopen as soon as possible. At this time we are focused on security and doing everything we can to support our staff.”

The spokesman said the ATM service will be back first, possibly by Monday, and customers can use NatWest for deposits and withdrawals. RBS in Bakewell is the nearest same brand branch for any other services.

One shocked villager, who did not want to be named, said yesterday: “You don’t expect this type of thing to happen in Hathersage – it’s usually such a quiet place.

“I hope they catch those responsible.”

A spokesman for Derbyshire police said: “After the robbery, the men turned left out of the bank and made off towards the village.

“They were described as scruffy, wearing hooded tops with the hoods worn up.

“Members of the public are asked to contact police if they saw the men in the area at 9.05am or saw anything suspicious on Wednesday night.”

The police spokesman was unable to say how exactly how much money was taken nor if any staff members were inside the bank at the time of the crime.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.