COURT proceedings have begun against two men accused of a high-value robbery of a building society worker, outside the premises.

Police were called to the Nationwide Building Society, in Wallsend, following a report of an armed robbery, shortly before 6pm on Monday January 10.

It was said that two men approached a member of staff outside the High Street premises and threatened him with what is believed to be a firearm before the pair made off with a box containing cash.

Police said that despite the shock of the incident, “fortunately, the employee was uninjured.”

An investigation was immediately launched with officers carrying out extensive CCTV checks and door-to-door inquiries, resulting in two men now having been charged with robbery.

Stephen Bayley, 38, of Richmond Gardens, Wallsend, was charged last week and remanded in custody.

The second suspect, 46-year-old Lee Cook, of Morpeth Terrace, North Shields, has also now been charged and appeared at North Tyneside Magistrates yesterday.

A further seven people have been arrested in connection with the incident and remain under investigation.

Read more: Jail for man who robber two Sunderland Spar shops in four days

Superintendent Paul Stewart, of Northumbria Police, said: “This was a serious incident that would have been terrifying for the victim and I hope these arrests and charges bring them, and the wider community, some reassurance.

“I also hope this acts as a warning to those who believe it is okay to take what is not theirs and terrorise their communities.

“We will do everything in our power to see that you are brought to justice.”

Praising the officers and detectives who worked tirelessly to secure a charge, he added: “These charges have come about because of hours of hard work, tireless persistence and what is, ultimately, an excellent piece of policing.

“The investigative team trawled huge amounts of CCTV to try to trace suspects and invested a lot of time and effort into the search for those involved.

“Our investigation will continue over the coming days, weeks and months.”

He urged anyone with information which may assist to contact police, using the 101 line, quoting reference NP-20220110-0748.

Alternatively, callers can contact the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously, by ringing 0800 555 111.

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