A BRAVE customer attempted to stop an armed bank robbery this week – putting himself at risk as he tried to chase the robbers down and was almost dragged under their getaway vehicle.

The man, who did not want to be named but has spoken to The Observer, confronted the two male robbers in the Natwest bank in Buckingham Avenue, and again outside the branch as they tried to make off with their cash haul.

The incident happened at about 2.50pm on Tuesday when the two men entered the bank on Slough Trading Estate and demanded money.

They were wearing masks and tried to gain access to a cashier by smashing the screen. They were unsuccessful but one of the them stole an amount of cash from a desk at the rear of the branch.

The customer said he shouted at the two men, who he believed were carrying small axes, and tried to stop them from taking the money.

He said: “Two guys came in with small axes and came up to the front counter and demanded money.

“Everyone was so shocked and the people behind the safety glass at the cashier were shook up. The manager said to take the money and the two guys were being so abusive.

“I tried to speak to them in a sensible manner that they might understand. I said to one of them to just take the money and go – they were traumatising people.”

When the robbers left, the man said he chased them out of the branch and confronted them in their car which was waiting outside.

He said: “I thought you cannot come in here and take people’s life savings.

“They took the money and ran out to their car. I followed them out and went over to the driver’s side.

"I tried to grab the axe off one of them and ended up with loads of cuts and bruises on my arm as they tried to speed off while I was holding on to the door [of the car] and I rolled out of the way.”

Police believe that the two robbers were less than 6ft tall and were both wearing dark clothing. It is also believed one was carrying a sledge hammer while another a sword.

Det Sgt Pauline Cameron, from Berkshire Force CID, said: “Thankfully, no one was injured during this robbery which would have been frightening for those involved. We know that there were some customers in the bank at the time of the incident and we would encourage anyone who has not yet spoken to police to do so immediately. We are also interested in hearing from anyone who saw the men either enter the bank or leave in a vehicle.

“Every piece of information, despite how small it may appear on the surface, could assist with our ongoing investigation.”

If you have any information contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.