A 74-YEAR-OLD man is being questioned by police today after a bank raid in Dorchester.

Armed police swooped on the town following reports of an armed raid at the Halifax in South Street.

They were joined by officers in the force helicopter.

Police dogs with their handlers and local officers were also part of the manhunt.

Police revealed the man told shocked staff he was carrying a gun and demanded cash before making his escape.

Officers said staff handed over an undisclosed amount of cash.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: "At 4.50pm on Monday a man walked into the Halifax branch in South Street, Dorchester, and demanded money from staff saying he had a gun.

"A 74-year-old man was subsequently arrested and is helping police with their enquiries into this matter."

The pensioner was kept in custody overnight and is due to answer further questions today.

Dorchester Mayor Robin Potter said: "It's a great surprise to hear about this. I don't think anything like this has happened in Dorchester before.

"Dorchester is a very safe town and long may it remain so."