Staff had anti-kidnapping training

THE head of the Northern Bank said that none of the gang who stole £26.5m from the bank were inside the Belfast HQ when the basement distribution centre was raided.

Chief executive Don Price also revealed that the bank staff underwent anti-kidnapping training just weeks before the robbery. Mr Price also disclosed the bank is to replace its entire current series of notes.

All existing £10, £20, £50 and £100 notes will be replaced with new ones, a process that will cost £5 million.