Masked men robbed a Mitcham bank of £5,000 in a grab-and-dash swoop during yesterday’s morning rush hour, it has been reported.

HSBC in London Road was targeted for the second time in six weeks, making it the fourth unsolved bank robbery in Merton since December.

CCTV seen exclusively by the Wimbledon Guardian shows two men apparently fleeing the bank with rucksacks and duffle bags just after 9.20am.

The first man, captured on the camera of Galaxy Convenience store two door’s down from the bank, wears a mask or balaclava and tracksuit clothing.

He was closely followed by a second man with a white face and hooded top, carrying a black plastic bag, possibly containing the cash.

They were running in the opposite direction from Mitcham’s Iceland.

Chris Stophi, manager at Toulla’s hair salon next door to the bank, said he believed the men had been lingering outside the branch ready to swoop as soon as it opened.

Two cashiers working at the store were reported to be “very shocked” but were unharmed. It is understood the robbers were unarmed.

Four police cars were seen arriving at the branch at about 9.30am and cordoned off the bank. A forensic team later appeared to collect potential evidence such as cigarette butts, shop workers reported.

Mohammed Dilawar, who owns Venus Hair & Cosmetics opposite the bank, said: “There were so many forensics and police cars. The forensics were wearing the metallic suits and were taking pictures.

“There were about two or three forensics and lots of CID - about 10 of them.”

No arrests have been made and neighbhouring shopkeepers are increasingly concerned about security in the area.

Kiruba Velautham, who owns Mitcham Photo Centre store next to the bank, said: “This area has always been a target. I think there’s a lot of local gangs around here and also in the night they are in the alleyway hanging around drinking.”

He said his own shop was targeted by robbers in September.

The same HSBC branch was robbed on Tuesday, December 23, on the same day as robbers got away with cash from a Barclays branch in Coombe Lane, Raynes Park.

Police reported earlier this month that no arrests had been made in connection to either robbery and have yet to say whether they are linking the incidents.

Nationwide in Mitcham was also robbed on Friday, January 16, after a man entered the store claiming to be carrying a bomb.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information can call police via 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Did you witness the robbery? Call Louisa on 020 8722 6335, or email louisa.clarence@london.newsquest.co.uk