Two robbers were shot dead today as armed police foiled a raid on a security van outside a bank.
Eyewitnesses claimed they saw a third man fleeing the scene in Bournemouth Road, Chandlers Ford,
Police at the scene where two robbers were shot dead at an HSBC bank at Chandlers Ford, Hampshire today.
Hampshire, which one described as a 'bloodbath'.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has launched an investigation into the shooting which happened during a planned operation between the Metropolitan Police Flying Squad and Hampshire Constabulary.
The gang is believed to have targeted the security van as it called at the branch of the HSBC at about 10am.
Witnesses described one of the robbers holding a gun to the head of a security guard when he was shot by police.
Passers-by said they heard several shots being fired before up to 30 plain clothes police officers wearing Metropolitan Police caps rushed into the area. Attempts were made to resuscitate the two men who were lying in the street in pools of blood, according to witnesses.
One man died at the scene, the second in hospital, according to police.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "The object of the operation was to prevent and apprehend those believed to be involved in an attempted armed robbery of a premises in Chandlers Ford.
"At approximately 10.05am, shots were fired and two men were shot. One was pronounced dead at the scene, the other was taken to a local hospital but died at approximately midday.
"No officers were injured in the incident. The incident has been referred to the IPCC." But the spokesman refused to comment on witness claims that a third robber had made a getaway from the scene of the shooting.
Residents described the dramatic scenes as up to 30 armed officers swarmed into the area outside the bank.