Police release images of cleverly disguised bank robbery suspect

Detectives investigating a robbery at a bank in Dorset have released images of the suspect who bizarrely disguised himself with blue tape. Armed police descended on the Wallisdown’s Barclays Bank at around 10am on Thursday, shortly after the drama unfolded. Initially there were reports the man may have been armed, but detectives later said no weapons were seen.



After shocked bank staff handed over cash, the man ran down an alleyway to a service road behind the building. He jumped into the getaway car, a light green metallic Peugeot Estate, driven by a second man. At this point police believe a security pack discharged inside the car, covering the robber, the getaway driver and the vehicle with red dye.

Detective Sergeant Dave Colomb, of Bournemouth & Poole CID, said: “Following enquiries I am now able to release CCTV images of the suspect. Even though his face is disguised it is hoped that someone may recognise him by his clothing and his stature. It is believed that a security pack containing red dye discharged over the suspect shortly after the robbery. If anyone has seen this man with red dye on his clothing they are urged to contact the police urgently.”



One witness, who asked not to be named, said: “He was limping, he had blue tape over his face. When he got in the car they went off around the corner and there was a lot of pink smoke – the dye they put in the money bags had gone off in the car.” Despite a large search, involving armed officers and the police helicopter, the offenders escaped. Detectives describe the man who entered the bank as white, 5ft 10ins, wearing blue tape or a bandana to disguise his face.