"These are not thinly politically disguised male characters, they are female: caring and compassionate, independent, smart and inquisitive," says Prof Napier.

State police spokesman Bernis Napier says the man was ordered multiple times to drop the crowbar but did not comply before being shot.

“We think R.B.S. remains under pressure to deliver on core profits, principally by achieving further significant cost cuts,” Mr. Napier said in a research note.