STAFF at a bank had a shock when they arrived at work to see tiles had been removed from the roof of the building.

Police were called after the tiles were spotted at the Lloyds TSB branch in New Chapel Street, Mill Hill, Blackburn, and it was realised someone had tried to gain entry to the building.

But when police arrived at the scene, they did not find anyone inside the building and nothing had been taken.

The incident could have taken place any time after 5pm on Friday, when the branch closed for the weekend, police said.

The branch was closed yesterday, with a sign in the window which said “Due to a security incident, this branch is closed today”. It then gave directions to the nearest branch for customers.

A police spokesman said: “It was reported to the police at 9.10am yesterday when staff noticed that the roof tiles had been lifted and they believed someone had tried to gain entry to the bank at some time since Friday.

“Police attended the scene, but there was nobody there and nothing was missing except the roof tiles.

“Officers made sure the business was secure and crime scene investigation officers were sent to the bank.

“Blackburn CID were investigating the suspicious circumstances of the roof tiles being lifted and the possibility that someone may have been trying to gain entry.”

The manager of the branch declined to comment at the scene.