A reported "gun robbery" at Nationwide has forced the building society to close this afternoon.

The branch in Heath Road was closed at about 4pm, and a police car and van were parked outside.

Police confirmed an "incident" had occurred, with nearby shop workers saying they had been in to check CCTV.

Mel Dry Cleaners employee Tom Constanti said: "I was out the back when it happened but the police came in and said a man in a black hat and black shirt tried to rob Nationwide.

"As far as I can tell, they got away with it."

Shamim Miah, duty manager at Morrisons, said: "We were told a man came in with a gun.

"The police have been in to check our CCTV."

Pratibah Thakrar, who works at Star Print, said: "We were told by police he went in and said he had a gun.

"It is frightening because sometimes one of us is in here alone."

Lexmi Thakrar, also from Star Print, said: "I went to draw some money out but could not get in the building, it was closed.

"There was no sign on the door and I saw a girl crying with everyone huddled around her - I assumed she was unwell.

"I was wondering what had happened and we found out when the police came in, it shakes you up to think of something like that happening around here."

A spokesman for Nationwide said: "We are aware that an incident took place in the Twickenham branch today.

"We cannot give any further information as this is subject to a police investigation."

Dale Woodford tweeted: "Apparently nationwide on Twickenham high street has just been robbed?"