Saanich police are asking the public to keep their eyes peeled for a man suspected in the armed robbery of the TD Canada Trust at Quadra Street and McKenzie Avenue Thursday morning.

The man’s face, arms or hands are likely stained with orange-red colouring from a dye pack that exploded as he left the bank, police said today as they released photos of the suspect.

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Police were called to the TD Bank around 10:30 a.m. Thursday with reports of a bank robbery in progress.

According to witnesses, a lone man entered the bank and demanded cash with a handgun. He had nylons over his face to mask his identity and was wearing a red toque under a black hood, light jeans and sneakers. He’s described as white, about 35 to 40 years-old, between five foot nine and five foot 11 with a slightly stocky build. He was carrying a bag.

The man fled the bank with an undisclosed amount of cash. As he was crossing a parking lot a dye pack in the cash exploded, possibly staining him. He was seen running north on Quadra Street through yards and hopping over fences.

Police ask the public to contact them immediately if they see him.

spetrescu@timescolonist.com