National Bank robbed in broad daylight

Police are seeking this man after the robbery in Manukau today. Photo / Supplied

A man escaped with a pile of money from a Manukau bank today after interrupting a transaction and making threats, police say.

Detectives are investigating the aggravated robbery of the National Bank branch.

After apparently walking up to a counter where a customer was depositing a large sum of money , the suspect then loaded the piles of cash into a bag and walked out of the bank.

Detective Inspector Jim Gallagher said a local businessman was caught up in the robbery. The teller had just started counting the cash when the incident happened.

"The offender threatened both the teller and the businessman with a firearm. He claimed to have the firearm in his bag. He then loaded money from the counter in his bag and left the bank," he said.

The suspect was clearly identified in a series of photos taken by the bank's security cameras.

Police are appealing for members of the public who saw the robbery take place or who can identify the pictured man to call 0800 VAN ARMO, or 0800 826 2766.

- NZPA