DETECTIVES have released CCTV images of a man they want to trace following a bank robbery.

Police were called to Santander on Thatto Heath Road at around 4.45pm on Thursday after reports a man, believed to have been armed with a concealed weapon, threatened staff to hand over cash.

He left the bank with money and walked off in the direction of Nutgrove Road.

He is described as white, in his 60s, of medium build with grey hair and around 5ft 5in tall.

Police suspect the crime is linked to a previous armed robbery at the Royal Bank of Scotland in High Street, Prescot on Friday, February 14, 2014 DCI Lee Turner said: "We take incidents of this nature very seriously and are appealing to anyone who may have seen a man acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the offence to contact us in case they have information to help the investigation.

"The staff in the bank, who were carrying out a hard day's work earning an honest living, have been left terrified by this offender's actions.

"We are determined to find him and take him off the streets."

Merseyside Police is appealing for the man in the CCTV or anyone who recognises him to come forward.

Anyone with any information is asked to call St Helens CID on 0151 777 6013, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.