VIDEO: ‘I saw bank raid from my bedroom window’

Police were called to Barclays in Tring High Street at 4.20am on Saturday, November 14 following reports of an explosion.

Four thieves wearing black balaclavas had used gas canisters in an attempt to blow up the ATM machine.

The witness, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “The bang woke up me and my husband, and we thought ‘what on Earth was that?’.

“It was a very forceful explosion. At first we thought something might have driven in to our front door, but it wasn’t until I had my glasses on that I could see what was happening.”

She added: “I saw four men wearing balaclavas and they were jumping in and out of the bank, shouting.

“They sounded very nasty.”

The witness said her husband called the police while she and her son attempted to gather evidence by filming the commotion on their mobile phones.

She added: “I saw them get in a black Mercedes before driving off down Akeman Street.

“I think they might have driven down Park Road and then back down Langdon Street because they drove back down the High Street again towards the A41.”

This incident comes just a week after an almost-identical crime just up the road in Wendover.

Again, thieves used gas canisters in an attempt to blow up a cash machine outside the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity shop on the High Street.

Herts Police have said that they are working on the assumption that the two incidents are linked, and have confirmed they are investigating alongside Thames Valley Police.

It is believed the thieves were not able to steal any cash in either raid.

A Barclays spokesman said: “The attack on the cash machine at our Tring branch has caused some damage, however the branch is open as usual.

“We will work hard to replace the cash machine as soon as possible, but at this early stage it is not possible to say when this will be.

“We apologise to customers for the inconvenience.

“Our nearest branch at Berkhamsted has a cash machine that customers can use.

“In addition, our personal customers can also use the local Post Office.”

Detective Constable Pete Spiers, investigating, said: “Whilst this occurred in the early hours of the morning, the sound of the blast would have woken people and they may have seen the offenders leave the scene.

“If you did witness anything and haven’t already spoken to police then please do call.

“I am also keen to hear from anyone who saw a black Mercedes in the area in suspicious circumstances too.

“Thankfully no one was injured during the incident and at no stage were any members of the public thought to be in danger.

“However some disruption has been caused within the community and I would like to thank residents for their patience.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call 101, quoting ISR 98 of November 14.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.