A DRIVER could hold vital clues in the hunt for an armed gang who stole hundreds of thousands of pounds in a bank robbery before Christmas.

Three masked raiders struck at the Lloyds TSB branch, in Sherburn Terrace, Consett, at about 5pm on Thursday, December 18.

Police have not released the exact amount of cash stolen, but officers have confirmed that it was a six-figure sum.

It is believed that a motorist, parked near to the scene at the time of the raid, could have valuable information that could help police to track down the armed gang.

The light-coloured people carrier was parked in the road known locally as Church Lane, at the back of the bank, between 4.30pm and 5.30pm.

Det Con Karen Veitch, of Consett CID, said: "We would particularly like to speak to the driver of the light-coloured people carrier, as it is possible that that person could have information vital to our inquiries."

The robbers struck as the branch's bank tellers were preparing to close up for the day.

The members of the armed gang threatened staff with a gun and forced them to hand over what police have said was a substantial amount of cash.

They also attacked one bank worker, a man in his thirties, who suffered head injuries and was later taken to the University Hospital of North Durham for treatment.

The three robbers, all wearing dark clothing, fled the scene from the back door of the branch.

They jumped into a dark, W registration saloon car, which contained the letters MNL in the registration plate.

The vehicle then sped off in the direction of nearby Leadgate.

Lloyds TSB is offering a reward of up to £15,000 for information leading to the conviction of the robbers.

It is the second time this month that an armed gang has held up a North-East branch of Lloyds TSB.

A gang of three or four robbers struck at a Lloyds TSB bank in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead, at around 4.45pm on Friday, December 5.

Anyone with information on the latest raid at Lloyds TSB in Consett, is asked to contact police officers at Consett CID on (01207) 504204 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on (0800) 555111.