AN ARMED robber who targeted three banks in the area has been given a nine-year jail sentence.

Ian Anthony Upson and Herbert Kulsomu walked into the HSBC bank in West Wickham High Street at 10am on July 18 last year.

They demanded money and threatened staff with a gun before escaping with £7,500.

However, they were later arrested by Flying Squad officers outside 20-year-old Upson's home in Madeira Avenue, Bromley.

Both Upson and 26-year-old Kulsomu, from West Norwood, pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of an imitation firearm when they appeared at Inner London Crown Court on November 29.

Upson also admitted committing robberies on four other banks, including Barclays in Penge on May 21 and the Nat West in Sydenham on May 24.

On Monday (January 21), Upson was sentenced to a total of nine years in prison.

Kulsomu received an indeterminate jail sentence for the protection of the public and was told he will not be able to apply for parole for at least five years.

Detective Inspector Mark Field from the Flying Squad said: "The actions of Upson and Kulsomu caused real fear to banking staff and members of the public.

"Their sentences should serve as a reminder the Met Police will pursue those who commit gun crime and bring them to justice."