The police have released a description of a man they are searching for after a bank in Bushey was robbed yesterday.

The incident took place at Barclays Bank in High Street at about 4.30pm. Hertfordshire police were called after reports a man had walked in and demanded staff to hand over money.

He took a large sum of money and walked left out of the bank into the High Street where he met with another man.

The offender is described as a white man, with a tanned complexion and of a stocky build. He was wearing a hooded top, with the hood up, and had stubble. He was carrying a carrier bag.

Detective Sergeant Alexandra Warwick said: "This happened during daylight hours and there would have been people around in the High Street at the time of the robbery.

"Anyone who saw a man matching the offender’s description, before or after the incident, approaching another man, or anything unusual or suspicious should contact me straight away."

Alfonso Lavavsa has owned St James restaurant next door to the bank for nearly 20 years.

He said: "I am still shocked about what happened.  This is obviously a very rare event. We have been here for 17 years and nothing like this has ever happened.

"I don’t really know what to say. We were not open at the time but there were some waiters in the restaurant. When I got in at about 5pm I saw all of the police and wondered what was going on.

"We have always felt very safe here, and cannot believe this happened just next door."

No one was injured in the incident.

Lisa Kennedy, a spokesperson for Barclays said: "I can confirm that an incident took place approximately 4.30 pm yesterday. We are currently working with the police who are investigating this matter. The branch reopened as normal today."

Anyone with any information is asked to call Hertfordshire police on 101 quoting the crime reference number J2/14/469 and ask for Detective Sergeant Alexandra Warwick.