Masked robbers attempted to hold up a Barclays Bank in Crystal Palace but fled empty handed. 

Three robbers wearing balaclavas drove up in a white 4 x 4, parking it across Westow Hill blocking traffic.

Witnesses say they 'calmly' strolled into the bank, with customers still inside around 10.45 this morning.

In and out within a matter of minutes, the criminals fled on foot, reportedly making their escape down Jasper Road.

A shopkeeper on Westow Hill, who did not want to be named, said: "There was a white Kia 4 x 4 which they left there.

"They drove out Woodland Road and blocked the two lanes of traffic so no one could get through. We’re sure they did that for the police because it's a one way street.

“They just calmly walked into the bank wearing balaclavas, took them seconds, in and out.

"They ran out and threw their balaclavas away I heard.

"We've been told they came out with something tucked into their shirt, people thought it was a gun or maybe it was cash. That's what I’ve been told.”

A spokesman for Met denied the gang were armed. 

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Eyewitnesses say this is the car the robbers drove up in

By the time police arrived on the scene the would-be robbers had already made their escape. 

He added: "It was so quick and really quiet. People were gathered round, people were shocked.

"Judging from the people I saw standing out on the street I think there were about six people inside. They were effectively hostages.

"As soon as the car got taken away traffic returned to normal. A truck came and picked it up; it was a rental car we heard.

"Two cars were parked either side, in the beginning police were trying to manually guide cars either side it was that tight, there were buses too."

Police cordoned off the bank with police tape, keeping vigil over it and the people still inside.

Ak Alan, from Palace Barber shop which overlooks the bank, said: "I don't know how they robbed it, if they had a weapon or something. Then they came out and ran away.

"This is the third time this has happened it four years, if they got security it would be a good thing."

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Courtesy of @Westow_House

Police confirmed there were no injuries and no arrests had been made.

It is thought the bank will fully reopen tomorrow, altough customers could still use the cashpoint.

Gianni Lecca, manager of Ponte Nuovo, also opposite the bank, said: "I saw police everywhere, and a car across the road.

"I shouldn't think it will affect people, it's happened a lot here.

"They did it because it's near Christmas. They're buying presents probably."

A spokesman for the Met said: "They entered the bank and fled on foot shortly afterwards heading in the direction towards Dulwich."

Officers from Lambeth are investigating.

Did you see anything? Get in touch on Rebecca.Flood@london.newsquest.co.uk