Sanchez Manning AN audacious bank robber has used a threatening note to steal more than �11,000 in less than a month, in a series of daylight raids around central London and Marylebone. In a prolific three-week run, he has held up a total of six banks inc

Sanchez Manning

AN audacious bank robber has used a threatening note to steal more than �11,000 in less than a month, in a series of daylight raids around central London and Marylebone.

In a prolific three-week run, he has held up a total of six banks including three in Marylebone - with one of them being raided three times by the thief.

The first robbery took place at Lloyds TSB in Southampton Street, near The Strand, on July 22.

This heist was followed by a further three robberies at Barclays in Great Portland Street, Marylebone.

And in just one day on July 30 he targeted three high-street banks in central London.

It was followed by his most recent hit on Monday (Aug 10) at Lloyds TSB in Edgware Road.

Describing the robber's tactics, DI Jason Prins, who is investigating the incidents, said: "The man waits in the queue and then passes a note under the counter demanding money, threatening to start shooting if he does not receive it."

But despite the insinuation that he has a gun, no weapons were seen during the attacks and few people outside the banks even realised the robberies were happening.

Mahjabeen Saboor, who owns Surprises women's clothing shop in Edgware Road, said she was only alerted to the Lloyds TSB robbery when police arrived to investigate.

"It happened on Monday at around 1.30pm," she said. "But we didn't see anything because everything looked completely normal.

"We only realised something was wrong when the police came - it all happened so quickly."

Other traders were shocked to learn that the robber was working in the area.

Chris Payne from All Saints clothing store in Great Portland Street said: "I wouldn't have thought that something like this could happen around here. It's quite daring to try to rob a bank in central London."

On Tuesday, Scotland Yard released a CCTV image of a suspect they want to speak to in connection with the robberies.

A spokesman for the Met said: "The man is described as white, between 5ft 10in and 6ft, with thin, receding grey and light brown hair. The series of robberies are being investigated by Barnes flying squad.

"Anyone who recognises this man or has any information about the offences is asked to contact the flying squad on 020-8247 4804.

"Or if they wish to remain anonymous, they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."

In a separate incident last Saturday, two thieves on mopeds attempted to steal a cash box being delivered by security guards to Abbey National on the corner of Edgware Road and Church Street.

The pair grabbed the delivery and rode off, but within hours police found the unopened box discarded just a couple of miles away from the bank.