AN investigation is underway following a bank robbery in Birkenhead this afternoon.

Eyewitnesses claim that raiders struck at the Yorkshire Bank on Princes Pavement at around 1.15pm.

It is believed the three then escaped with a quantity of cash.

A 4x4 vehicle was set alight behind the bank, near to Birkenhead Market.

The bank is currently closed and police are at the scene.

It is believed the three men escaped in a silver Vauxhall Vectra.

One shopper told the Globe: "It was terrifying. The noise of the exploding car was that loud, it was like a bomb had gone off."

More later.