A BANK robber with distinctive cauliflower ears and wearing brown suede gloves is being hunted by police after a raid at a Barclays branch in Poole.

The man wore a Trilby-style hat and sunglasses when he walked into the branch in Canford Cliffs, handing staff a note claiming he had a gun and demanding money.

Shopkeepers who think they may have sold the robber the brown suede gloves worn in the raid are being asked to help detectives.

The robber struck at 2.15pm on Thursday after walking into the Barclays branch in Haven Road.

He entered the bank carrying a rolled-up bag and gave one of the counter staff a note saying that he had a gun and demanding that they hand over money from the till.

"The cashier was very frightened and complied with the man's instructions before the man walked out of the bank - turning right along Haven Road in the direction of Branksome Chine and then right into Ravine Road," said Detective Sergeant Dave James of Poole CID.

"I am appealing to anyone that was in the area of Haven Road at the time of the robbery and saw the man entering or leaving the bank."

He added: "I would also like to hear from anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area of the bank before or after the robbery, and any local traders who have recently sold a pair of brown suede gloves."

The robber is described as of Mediterranean or Asian appearance, aged in his mid-30s, 5ft 7in to 5ft 10in tall, heavy build with short dark hair and facial stubble.

Witnesses also describe him as having noticeable cauliflower ears, rather like a boxer, and wearing black-rimmed plastic sunglasses and a beige tweed hat similar to a Trilby.

He wore a three-quarter length coat with patches of mustard orange and a pair of new-looking brown suede gloves.

A spokeswoman for Barclays said no one at the branch was hurt in the incident and the branch has remained open following the robbery.

Call Poole CID on 01202 223333 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.