Police forensic officers removed the van, which had been inside a cordon, from outside the bank at about 1.30pm.

Staff from Lloyds TSB remained in the building while two police officers stood at the entrance.

Residents and businesses nearby said the incident had been “lightening quick” and said they had seen very little.

Others expressed concern that the bank had been targeted for the fourth time in as many years.

Warren Clarke said: “It’s terrible; this area had been getting better. Nacton Road will get a bad reputation.”