Armed police were called to a bank in Acle after a man allegedly walked in with a homemade flamethrower and made threats.

Emergency services were called to Barclay's Bank in The Street at 12.20pm today following reports of a man making threats inside the bank.

It is understood he was armed with a blowtorch and a petrol can - but it is not thought the device was alight.

Officers and a crew from Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service attended and a Taser was discharged before the man was put in a police van and taken to Great Yarmouth police station.

Four members of staff were inside the building when the man walked in.

It is unclear if any customers were inside, but Insp Chris Brooks of Acle police station said no one was harmed.

Eyewitnesses said staff were ushered out of the bank through the front door soon after police arrived.

Jackie Clover, who runs Clover's Tea Rooms opposite the rural branch of Barclays, said: 'I feel sorry for the girls who were inside the bank. It must have been terrifying.'

Speaking at the scene, Insp Chris Brooks said: 'We were called at lunchtime after a man entered the building and threats were made to staff.

'A Taser was discharged and the man has been arrested and is currently at Great Yarmouth Police Investigation Centre where he will answer questions about the incident later.'

Insp Brooks confirmed that while no one was injured, there was a risk to the public.

At 3pm today, officers removed evidence from the bank - including what appeared to be a petrol canister. They were likely to remain at the bank while further inquiries, including forensic investigations, continue.

A spokesman for Barclays this afternoon said the bank could not comment while police investigations continued, however staff involved were being offered support.

• A 60-year-old man from the Great Yarmouth area has been arrested in connection with the incident and is currently in custody at Great Yarmouth Police Investigation Centre.