Gunman robs post office during a cash delivery

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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A Post Office in Farnworth was robbed at gunpoint as cash was being delivered in a high security van.

The terrifying raid took place at one of the busiest times for the Highfield Road Post Office.

A masked man followed the security guard into the shop before emerging shortly after and fleeing in a getaway car driven by an accomplice.

People outside the shop fled to the doctors’ surgery next door, where the shutters were pulled down and police were called.

The robbery took place at 9.30am on Friday, but details were only released by police yesterday.

Witness Michael Butterworth, aged 64, was using the cash machine outside the post office. He and his wife, Teresa, were stood by the machine when they saw the robber running towards them.

Mr Butterworth, a bus driver from Farnworth, last night told of the moments the robbers struck.

He said: “He ran past me and sent me spinning.

“I pushed my wife against the wall to try to protect her.

“Seconds before, a security van had pulled up and cash was being delivered.

“We were both in fear for our lives. I will never forget this.”

Mr Butterworth and his wife fled to the surgery.

He said there were at least 20 people inside and a quickthinking receptionist called the police and put the shutters down to protect everyone inside the surgery.

He added: “It was very tense in there and everyone was quite fearful.”

Mr Butterworth went to work later in the day but was sent home by bosses because he was so traumatised by the armed raid.

A police spokesman said: “Police were called at 9.30am following reports of a robbery in Highfield Road. Enquiries are on going.”

A post office spokesman said: “A masked man stole an amount of cash from a member of staff making a delivery to Highfield Road Post Office.

No-one was hurt.”

[andy2007]

Thank goodness no-one was hurt!