At around noon, two masked men went into the Ulster Bank at The Square and demanded money.

The men were armed with what appeared to be a rifle.

They made their getaway in a blue old-style Vauxhall Astra which bore the registration number SJI 2574. It was later found on fire at Derryloughan Road.

Detectives in Cookstown are keen to hear from anyone who saw the men or the Astra before or after the robbery.

They believe the men got into another car, and they are also keen to hear from anyone who noticed a car in the Derryloughan Road area on Wednesday morning.

Mid-Ulster MLA Billy Armstrong has condemned those responsible and urged anyone with information to contact the police immediately.

The Ulster Unionist representative said as with the recent raids on cash machines, once again people living in rural areas have been greatly inconvenienced.

"I am still convinced that the closure of rural police stations such as Stewartstown is not helping the police to maintain a highly visible presence on the ground in rural areas," he said.

"Any information, however small or insignificant it may seem, could be the key to helping the police to apprehend these thugs who put the bank staff through a terrible ordeal. They must be caught and put away where they cannot terrorise communities and people going about their lawful business," he added.

And DUP Mid-Ulster MLA Ian McCrea has also condemned those responsible.

"The bank in the village is a much valued facility used by many people. The people who work in the bank are all highly regarded in the community. That they should have been subjected to such criminal behavior is disgraceful," he said.

The MLA said the ever increasing trend of such appalling criminal behaviour is cause for concern and supports the case to keep our part time reserve to help stamp out such attacks in the future.

"I would urge anyone with any information about this robbery to come forward and share it with the police. It is in the interests of everyone in our community that these criminals are apprehended and brought to justice," he added.

The number to call is 0845 600 8000. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.