Gang in 'audacious' rooftop Rustington bank raid bid
A gang of thieves smashed a hole in the roof of a bank and then attempted to cut open a cash machine in what police described as an "audacious" raid.
The masked men used an angle grinder on the machine after they broke into the Santander branch in Ash Lane, Rustington, on Sunday.
But Sussex Police said the raiders, who triggered the bank's alarm and security smoke, fled empty-handed when passers-by began shouting at them.
The force has appealed for information.
Det Sgt Michelle Auger said: "This was an audacious attempt to steal from the bank that was thwarted by Santander's defences and the members of the public who challenged the thieves.
"We need to speak to anyone who saw the raid taking place or the thieves escaping.
"We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have seen people acting suspiciously around the branch in the days or weeks beforehand or who saw the getaway vehicles."