A 39-year-old man has been arrested in the aftermath of an armed bank robbery in St George’s.

The arrest comes hours after stunned bank staff and customers watched in terror as a gun-wielding robber targeted Butterfield Bank just after noon yesterday.

The man, dressed in a red hoody, leapt over the counter and demanded staff hand over cash.

A police spokesman said: “A 39-year-old St George’s man has been arrested in connection with the armed robbery that took place at Butterfield Bank in St George’s and the investigation into the incident is ongoing. Police are still appealing for witnesses or anyone with any information should contact police on 295-0011.”

The robbery, which was caught on the bank’s CCTV system, shows the man entering the bank, vault the counter and confront three members of staff.

He then points what appears to be a firearm that he is holding in his right hand at staff, making further demands for cash.

Meanwhile, customers who were in the bank at the time of the robbery, and one staff member, can also be seen on the footage dashing for cover and escaping the bank through a side exit.

After securing an unknown quantity of cash, the man, who was also wearing white gloves, jumped back over the counter and fled the bank.

The robbery lasted a little more than 30 seconds in its entirety.

Police described the suspect as a 5ft 10in black male with a slender build, wearing a red hooded sweat shirt, a dark bandanna, dark shades and dark-coloured pants, believed to be jeans. Chief Inspector Calvin Smith said: “Early information is that one man entered the bank brandishing what appeared to be a firearm and demanded money from the staff.

“He received an undisclosed amount of cash and made good his escape on foot in the area of St George’s.

“What we would like is for anyone in the town of St George’s who may have seen an individual of that description or acting suspiciously in the square at approximately noon or minutes after noon to contact police.

“The members of the bank are in good spirits. There was a senior who was in the bank and was a bit overcome by the event and was taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for observation, but other than that no one was injured.”

Ch Insp Smith was unable to say if the weapon brandished was an actual firearm or an imitation; nor could he say if the suspect may have escaped the town via the water. “It’s just too early and all avenues are being looked at,” he said. A spokesperson from the bank confirmed the incident, stating that as a result the bank had been closed for the rest of the day.

“All Butterfield employees at the St George’s location are safe,” he said. “All other Butterfield banking centres are open as usual to serve our valued customers. The Bermuda Police Service has initiated an investigation into the incident. As such, we will refrain from further comment on the matter and defer any queries to the police.”

Premier Michael Dunkley, meanwhile, said: “This was a very shameful and cowardly act, and I am greatly troubled by today’s incident. Thankfully no one was seriously injured. This is a very active investigation and I am confident that the police are working very hard on this matter. In the meantime, I want to echo their call and urge anyone who saw anything suspicious to please contact the police and share what they know.”

Progressive Labour Party senator Renee Ming said: “[Tuesday’s] incident has shocked our community and is yet another bit of unwelcome news for the people of St George’s. We are thankful that no one was harmed and remain confident that the Bermuda Police Service will catch the perpetrators in due course.

“An incident like this highlights the need for police presence in and about the town of St George’s. The Members of Parliament for the area campaigned on having the St George’s Police Station fully functioning if elected. Well, it’s been 2½ years.

“Even if there is to be no police station within the town, there must be a strong police presence to meet the needs of the old town and as a potential deterrent to crimes of this magnitude.

“I salute the brave employees of Butterfield Bank and I am thankful that no one was seriously injured during this horrific ordeal.”

• The Royal Gazette is withholding showing the full video to protect the identities of the victims.