A MAN from North Yorkshire has been arrested following a robbery at a Lake District building society.] Police were called to the office in Crescent Road, Windermere, after reports that a man wearing a balaclava had threatened staff and made off with a quantity of cash.

Officers were already in the area executing drug warrants and the man was quickly caught.

A 53-year-old man from Skipton, North Yorkshire, was arrested nearby and taken to Kendal police station in connection with the incident at the Hayton and Winkley solicitors firm.

A spokeswoman for Cumbria Police said: “Police were called to the building society after a report that a man in a balaclava had threatened staff, stolen some cash and then ran off in the direction of Bowness.

“Following police activity as a result of another operation, Operation Arrowhead, a 53-year-old man from Skipton, North Yorkshire, was quickly arrested on suspicion of robbery. He has been taken to Kendal police station where he will be interviewed by detectives.

“No weapons were seen during the incident and no one was injured, although staff present were left shaken.

“Incidents of this nature are extremely rare for the area and a full police investigation is under way.”

Anyone with further information about the robbery can contact police on 0845 33 00 247 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.