Police have named a man they want to question in connection with a robbery in Skipton.

They are hunting 47-year-old William Stuart Ford after an attack on the town's Bradford and Bingley Building Society. And they have revealed he is also wanted for questioning by Gwent and West Mercia Police following robberies in Abergavenny and Shrewsbury in March. Ford is described as white, about 6 ft tall, well-built with broad shoulders, and with a dark complexion.

The Skipton robbery occurred at 2.37pm on Friday when a man entered the premises in Sheep Street and threatened and demanded money from the assistant on a hand-written note. Other employees and customers were unaware that a robbery was taking place. When he left the shop, staff hit the panic button to alert the police.

The store manager, who asked not to be named for security reasons, praised local officers for responding to the call within 45 seconds. She added: "The members of staff were shocked - they couldn't believe it had happened. No one will get over it immediately - it takes time. But the assistant who received the note was so together. Her reaction and conduct was professional."

The robber fled on foot, carrying a white plastic bag. He was wearing a dark blue canvas hat, a blue waterproof jacket and grey or blue trousers or jeans. Detective Inspector Mick Moore said a short time after the Skipton robbery, clothing was found at the back of Paul Smith China in Victoria Square.

"We want to speak to anyone who saw a man leaving the building society via the Sheep Street exit and going through to Victoria Square," he said.

He added officers would also like to hear from anyone who could remember seeing a man changing his clothes by the china shop, leaving in a vehicle, or recognised him as having visited a bed and breakfast or hotel in the area.

"But everyone is warned not to approach this man. He may be armed and dangerous."

Employees in banks and building societies around the country have been warned to be on their guard against further attacks. The main targets appear to be building societies in small market towns which have open plan offices.

The previous robberies in Wales and Shropshire have been featured on the BBC's Crimewatch programme. The first incident occurred on March 7 at the Cheltenham and Gloucester Building Society in Abergavenny, Gwent. The second robbery took place on March 28 at the Alliance and Leicester Building Society in Shrewsbury town centre.

Anyone who has information should contact Skipton CID on (01756) 793377 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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