Police blocked off a busy main street tonight following a raid on a bank.
The Santander branch in Cowgate, Kirkintilloch , is believed to have been targeted by robbers as a G4S security van arrived to take away cash on Monday evening.
Shocked passers-by witnessed the Police Scotland helicopter circling overhead and several emergency vehicles arrived at the scene.
The crime scene was cordoned off as the investigation commenced.
It was not clear if any arrests had been made.
East Dunbartonshire Council tweeted: “NOW – due to an on-going police incident Cowgate, Kirkintilloch is closed from the Wm Patrick Library to Catherine Street. Please avoid the area. Further updates will be posted here.”
On Facebook, Kirkintilloch residents confirmed it was a bank raid.
Jon Adams said: “Saw 3 polis cars and the chopper out earlier, and 2 ambulances.”
One reader who called the Record said: “There was a bit of commotion and it was obvious something serious was afoot when the police chopper was flying overhead.
“There was unmarked car and another which looked to be carrying armed officers. I don’t know if they got anyone for it.
“This kind of thing doesn’t happen in Kirkintilloch very often.”