An "audacious" cyber gang who allegedly took control of all the computers in a Santander branch have been stopped in their tracks.
Police said they have thwarted the group's attempt to steal millions of pounds, after the men apparently fitted a computer in the branch in Surrey Quays with a "keyboard mouse video" which allowed them to transmit its desktop contents.
Using the gadget, the men remotely took control of all the computers at the branch in the shopping centre in south east London, but it is unclear whether they were able to take any money.
Officers yesterday arrested 11 men aged between 23 and 50 in Hounslow, west London. A 34-year-old was arrested in Victoria, west London.
Searches were carried out at addresses in Westminster, Hounslow, Hillingdon, Brent and Richmond, and also in Slough, where property has been seized.
A police spokeswoman said: "It is still not clear whether any money was extracted from the computers but we should have more information as the investigation develops."
The men are being held in custody at a London police station.