A man who wanted to pay £1,500 into a city centre bank was tricked out of his cash by a con artist posing as a member of staff.

The 37-year-old was queueing at a branch in Market Street when he was approached by someone he assumed was a member of staff.

The smartly dressed man, who was holding a paying-in slip, asked if he could help him.

When he said he wanted to pay in £1,500 he said he could do that for him and led him into a side room.

However after sitting him down and taking the cash, he then walked out and never reappeared.

After waiting for a considerable period of time, the victim went and spoke to genuine bank staff and realised he has been conned.

CCTV footage shows the man walking straight out of the front door.

The incident was reported to police who have now launched an investigation.

The man was in his fifties, between male 5 ft 5 and 5 ft 8, of stocky build, with dark, thinning, slicked-back hair,

Police say he spoke with a southern European or Arabic accent and was wearing a light-coloured suit jacket or blazer over a formal shirt and tie.

Officers are now issuing a warning to both customers and bank staff to be vigilant after the incident.

GMP City Centre said on Twitter: “We’re told thief was very convincing. We’re tweeting to warn others not judge this unfortunate victim.”