The following article was published in the Sydney City Hub Newspaper on August 31, 2008:
I was the first journalist on the scene and covered the story as the robbery took place.
By Reuben Brand
The manhunt continues for three armed men who fled empty handed after an attempted bank robbery in Newtown last Wednesday afternoon.
Police were called to the Bank of Queensland on King St Newtown at 3pm on August 27 after five shots were fired and three staff members were held in what police later described as a hostage situation.
An armoured police vehicle pulled up outside the bank as a special police tactical unit was called to secure the area. The corner of King and Georgina Streets in Newtown was closed off for over an hour as the heavily armed officers in black riot gear surrounded the perimeter.
Police Inspector Neil Saville said the three offenders entered the bank and made a number of demands before fleeing.
“A number of shots were fired – staff hid inside a secure area of the bank and the police mounted an operation to secure them and bring them out unharmed. No-one was injured and at this stage it appears nothing was taken,” he said.
Local shopkeepers were told to close their doors and stay inside. One eyewitness said when she looked inside the bank, she saw a “spray of bullets” marking the wall.
The identity of the three offenders is currently unknown; officers remained at the scene until late that night checking CCTV footage of the bank and taking fingerprints as the investigation continues.
Anyone with information as to the identity or whereabouts of the three offenders are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
