A MAN who attempted to rob a city centre bank saying he was armed with a bomb has been arrested.

The 58-year-old walked into the Santander branch in High Ousegate, York, at about 10.15am today (Friday, November 9) before handing a note detailing the threat to a cashier.

It is understood as the alarm was raised the man left the building empty-handed and minutes later confessed to the attempted raid to a patrolling police community support officer.

He has since been arrested and is in police custody.

The branch has been shut and a spokeswoman for the bank could not confirm when it would reopen.