ROME - Armed robbers escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash and valuables after robbing a bank in central Naples on Thursday, reported German Press Agency (dpa).
The masked robbers held around 25 people hostage for about two hours while they ransacked dozens of safe deposit boxes, said Italian police.
Reports suggested that at least three robbers gained access to the branch.
Customers and staff were herded into an adjoining room, with several threatened at gunpoint.
A passer-by alerted police after noticing suspicious activity inside the bank.
Emergency services cordoned off the area of the city centre and surrounded the building.
The police then managed to gradually bring those trapped inside to safety.
No one was injured, though some people received medical attention for shock.
By the time special forces stormed the branch, the perpetrators had already fled, likely through an underground tunnel that investigators suspect is connected to the sewage system.
The value of their haul has not been ascertained, and investigations are ongoing. - BERNAMA-DPA