Police are investigating an attempted robbery at a Forest Hill bank, this afternoon (July 24).

Emergency services were called to Barclays Bank in London Road at 2.51pm.

The suspects fled the scene empty handed before police arrived.

Eyewitness Julia Murrell, who was at the Aroma Cafe nearby during the attempted raid, captured photos of smoke billowing out of the premises after an employee triggered a security smog.

The 33-year-old told News Shopper: “It [the bank] just filled with smoke in a matter of seconds.

“The police and fire brigade were around within minutes.

“You couldn’t really see much as the bank was just filled with smoke but it definitely did the trick.

“The police dealt with it really quickly.

“Everyone in the street was stopping like, ‘What the hell is going on?’”

News Shopper:

A Met Police spokeswoman said no-one has been injured or arrested.

London Road and Dartmouth Road were part closed following the incident.

Ms Murrell, who lives in a flat not far from the bank, added: "You don’t think you are going to witness something like that.

"People feel safe around here. I have never known anything like that to happen.

"I’m quite surprised anyone tried it to be honest."

London Fire Brigade also attended. 

Detectives from the Met Police Flying Squad are investigating.

Did you see what happened? Call the news desk on 01689 885726 or email harriet.collier@london.newsquest.co.uk.