Terrified cleaner trapped in Nationwide

A terrified Mr Bookes, who has been the Nationwide cleaner for the past 12 years, was trapped behind the counter as two men wearing reflective jackets smashed their way through the outside door and stole money boxes being delivered by security guards.

 

The men, wielding  sledge hammers smashed their way in at around 10pm on Monday night but were shocked to find Mr Brookes in the building as they attacked the guards.

 

The guards were able to join Mr Brookes behind the counter and lock the security door behind them.

 

"I have been cleaning at Nationwide for 12 years and nothing like this has ever happened before," said Mr Brookes, who was still in a shocked state today.

 

"You just don't expect this sort of thing to happen in Newtown. You hear about such robberies all the time but never think it's going to happen to you.

 

"If I hadn't been behind the counter with the door open there would have been no escape route for the security guards. They were able to join me and raise the alarm but the robbers were able to get away with a considerable amount of cash," he added.

 

"It was a terrifying experience but it won't stop me returning to work. At the moment the building is still cordoned off so I can't work but as soon as the police finish their enquiries I'll be back."

   

Police would like to speak to any person who was in the High Street area at the time or who saw any suspicious activity.

 

Anyone with information about the incident should call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.