Four robbery suspects who escaped in a boat after shots were fired in a bank raid were yesterday netted following a sea and land chase involving armed Police.

Masked men carrying two guns burst into the Somerset branch of the Bank of Bermuda -- firing two shots into the ceiling.

They snatched more than $50,000 in cash and fled on motorbikes before jumping into a waiting Boston Whaler. Marine Police were called and followed the boat to Riddells Bay where the men ditched the vessel and fled on foot before being captured by Police.

Last night the raid -- which Police said appeared to be a well-planned operation -- was condemned by Government and Shadow Ministers.

Bank chiefs also said security at branches was now being reviewed -- with the installation of bullet proof windows being investigated.

Public Safety Minister Quinton Edness said: "Bermudians who use guns unlawfully betray their families, their friends and their country in a fundamental way.'' Shadow Minister Alex Scott praised the Police and also condemned the crime.

"This is not anything that anyone in Bermuda wants or will tolerate,'' said Mr. Scott.

Bank of Bermuda vice-president Barry Shailer added: "The staff were extremely shaken by the incident and we have called in counsellors to help them.

"We will be reviewing security at our branches in the light of this.'' And the man in charge of the Police operation, acting Supt. Norrell Hull said: "It appeared to be a well planned operation.'' The robbery happened at about noon yesterday when three masked men burst into the bank, leaving a fourth man outside with two motorbikes.

Two shots were fired and two men jumped over the counter before grabbing cash.

None of the dozen staff or four customers inside the building were hurt.

All four men fled on the bikes down Loyalty Estate Road to the water's edge where they left the machines and apparently rode to a rented Boston Whaler.

Staff in the bank pressed a panic alarm and Marine Police were alerted and shadowed the boat to Riddells Bay Dock where the men ditched the vessel and ran off.

One suspect was tackled on Riddells Bay Road and two other suspects were caught in bushes next to the 18th hole on the Riddells Bay golf course.

A fourth man was stopped on a motorbike several miles away opposite Whale Bay Road, in Southampton.

It is understood they were taken to Police stations in St. George, the Airport, Hamilton and Somerset and three are under arrest in connection with the robbery with a fourth said to be helping Police with their inquiries.

Police recover guns and cash from robbery Police later recovered two guns as well as cash. At least one mask was also found in bushes next to the golf course.

Altogether about 40 Police officers were involved in the operation -- including members of the Emergency Response Team who carried fully automatic machine guns and Colt 45 sidearms.

The operation was witnessed by a large crowd of people in the golf course club house.

One witness said: "I saw one person running across the course and then the Police cars came across the fairway.

"I could not see anyone putting up a struggle and I did not see a gun. The person looked like a teenager, not very old. The whole thing was over within about 15 minutes.'' Another witness said: "I saw the Police pull two youngsters over and then heard a lot of shouting. They pulled them out of the bushes.

"It was very exciting, but not in a nice way. I thought it was impressive that the Police acted so quickly.'' Mr. Edness, the Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister, also praised the Police, but condemned the incident.

"I'm sure all Bermudians will agree with me when I express my anger and contempt for those responsible for the armed robbery of the Bank of Bermuda in Somerset and when I express my concern and sympathy for those who were witnesses or victims of this ugly crime.

"Bermudians do not believe in guns and violence. There is no place for them in our society and we have no respect for those who try to introduce them into our culture,'' said the Minister.

He said he admired the courage and professionalism shown by the Police and said everyone was behind efforts to further improve the Service.

Mr. Edness added: "It should be clear by now to those who would commit crimes in our society that they are going to be caught, thanks to the effective work of the men and women in our Police Service.'' The robbery was the second in recent years at the Bank of Bermuda's Somerset branch. Several years ago an armed man walked into the branch and stole tens of thousands of dollars.

Last night the latest robbery prompted an immediate review of security by bank chiefs that could include installing bullet proof barriers protecting cashiers.

Barry Shailer, the Bank's executive vice-president of administration, said: "This raises concerns about the security of our operations, particularly in isolated areas like Somerset.

"We will be reviewing security and looking at bullet-proof screens. The same issue came up a few years ago, but the way things are going we might have to move in that direction,'' he said.

Mr. Shailer said about 12 staff and four customers were in the bank when three men burst in.

"Two men leapt over the counter and took a sum of money. Two shots were also fired. I think the shots were fired into the ceiling,'' he said.

"I went up to Somerset as soon as I heard about the incident and the staff were very shaken so we called in the Employees Assistance Programme to provide counselling.

"However I must commend both the staff and the customers for the way they handled themselves throughout the incident.''