Masked robbers armed with a knife and a hammer fled after a morning raid on a post office – with a mystery have-a-go hero in hot pursuit.
The dramatic moment when the four-strong gang targeted the branch on Dixon Lane in Wortley, Leeds, yesterday (April 3) was caught on camera by a passer-by, who then watched in disbelief as another witness chased their getaway car down the street.
The amateur photographer, who did not want to be named, said: “He just ran over to the car and started shouting and banging on the window, but they drove off.
“Fair play to him for having a go.” It is thought the gang had been lying in wait for a cash-in-transit van to arrive shortly after 10.30am.
As the security guard went into the post office to retrieve a cash box from the counter,
three of them – two in balaclavas and a third with a scarf over
his face – followed him into the shop.
The eyewitness added: “They shouted ‘Nobody move’, shoved a young woman out of the way, grabbed the container and ran back out.
The driver was still in the car, and they all jumped in and drove off.”
Kuldesh Johal, who runs the post office, said: “It was all over in about five or six seconds. This has never happened before.”
He said one member of staff had been sent home suffering from shock.
The car, a red Citroen Xsara, was later found abandoned on nearby Blue Hill Lane.
A Post Office spokeswoman said: “Thankfully no one was injured in the incident.
“Post Office Ltd will also be supporting the police in their efforts to apprehend those responsible.”
Anyone with information should call Weetwood CID via 101.