TEIGNBRIDGE is usually free of really serious crime.

But in August 1990 an armed robber pointed a gun at a woman cashier in a building society office and demanded ‘give me the money.’

The dramatic raid was photographed by a security camera at the back of the Bristol and West Building Society branch in Dawlish.

After an initial study of the picture, police believe the raider may have a military background.

The gunman escaped with about £500 cash, and as the hunt continued police warned he should not be approached if sighted.

The woman cashier who was forced to hand over the cash at gunpoint was shocked but unhurt.

The robber was said to be about six feet four inches tall, in his 30s, looks fit and was probably carrying camping equipment in the big rucksack, which could have camouflage markings on it.

Det Con Chris Webb of Teignmouth CID said: ‘He could be camping somewhere, either on an official campsite or on a rough piece of land, and we ask all campsite owners and campers to be on the lookout for anybody who resembles this man.

‘But they should not approach him - tell the police immediately.’

The gunman was last seen running up the Strand after grabbing the cash. Police immediately sealed off the town and about 25 officers scoured the area, helped by the force helicopter, which swooped low over the countryside around Dawlish, and dog handlers.

The robber walked into the small office in the heart of the shopping street when there were no other customers present.

Det Sgt Martin Warren said the gunman banged something heavy on the counter and pointed what appeared to be a handgun at the cashier and demanded cash.

He grabbed the cash in various denominations and immediately ran off.

It was all over so quickly that apart from staff in the office, nobody realised there had been a robbery.

DS Warren said there was no way of telling whether the gun was realy or an imitation.

‘As far as the cashier was concerned it was real. Imitations are so good these days it is impossible to tell without a close examination.

‘The casher was threatened, and although she was not attacked in any way, it was an an extremely nasty ordeal for her.’

Branch manager Roger Weatherley said he was on the phone when the man burst it. ‘A hold up is something you always dread will happen one day. But it is like going to the dentist - the anticipation is worse than the event itself.

‘It happened very quickly, but I do not think there was any doubt that it was a gun, and the cashier did exactly the right thing in handing over the cash, and she followed company procedure exactly.’

Footnote: the robber was later caught and sentenced.