FOUR masked men armed with hammers raided a Cradley Heath bank this morning (Monday).

Police were called to Lloyds Bank on High Street shortly before 9.30am following reports that the bank had been robbed.

It is believed that the men, all dressed in black, had threatened staff with hammers before stealing a small amount of cash and running off towards Queen Street where they jumped into an awaiting car.

Detectives have now launched an inquiry into the robbery and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

Sergeant Toby Davis, from Sandwell’s acquisitive crime team, said: “Fortunately no-one was seriously hurt during the robbery which must have been a terrifying ordeal for the staff.

“We are working hard to piece together what went on and continue to make enquiries and view CCTV.

“I would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw the men or the car they sped away in to call me or one of my team."

Anyone with information is urged to call 101 or alternatively they can leave information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.