Attempted armed robbery at post office

The offender entered the store in Whelley brandishing a knife and wearing a balaclava to obscure his face shortly before 9.45am today (Friday).

He jumped over the counter into the rear section of the store but fled empty-handed after the employee screamed.

He left the area in a burgundy Citroen Berlingo.

The post office, which shares a building with a newsagent’s shop, was open to the public but quickly closed following the traumatic incident.

The offender is believed to have been carrying a kitchen-type knife. The employee was unhurt but badly shaken.

Anyone with information about the incident should ring police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 574 for January 20, or call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.