Police officers in the Nairobi West area have shot a knife-wielding thug who attempted to stage a daylight robbery at a city bank.

Nairobi Regional Police Commander James Mugera has confirmed the incident.

According to sources, the criminal who was in the company of an unknown woman went to Equity Bank, Nairobi West branch on Tuesday, attacked two security guards who were working at the establishment and a customer before rushing to the bank manager’s office and demanding cash.

“We rushed to rescue the two guards as the man forcefully entered the bank,” another security guard said.

The commotion drew the attention of armed police officers who were manning the bank and they responded by opening fire and shooting the suspect twice, ending the brazen robbery.

A security guard who witnessed the incident said they rushed to rescue their colleagues who were hurt during the incident and rushed them to the hospital.

“We rushed to rescue the two guards as the man forcefully entered the bank. The injured have been taken to Nairobi West Hospital,”

The bank issued a statement after the mid-morning incident also confirming the incident and announcing the temporary closure of the branch to allow police officers to conduct their investigations.

"Kindly note that we had a distress incident today morning at our Nairobi West Branch where an armed person attempted to gain access into the banking hall,” the statement read partly.

"Security agents led by local authorities are currently on site investigating the incident and the branch has been temporarily closed.”

Lang'ata Sub County police boss said the suspect was also rushed to the hospital but did not disclose further details of his status.

"He has been taken to hospital as we talk am at the scene and will keep you updated," she said.