Detectives praise Sunderland Post Office worker after alleged attempted armed robbery

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Two men are in police custody following an alleged armed robbery attempt in St Luke's Road, Sunderland

Detectives investigating an alleged attempted armed robbery have praised a Post Office worker for his bravery.

Police were called to the Post Office on Hylton Road, Sunderland, shortly before 5pm on Monday after a report that two men, one of which was allegedly carrying a firearm, had demanded money from the male member of staff.


When the cashier refused to hand any money over, one of the men is said to have fired the gun before fleeing the store empty-handed in a car that was found abandoned in St Luke’s Road in the city.

Police praised the anonymously worker’s bravery.

Neither the cashier, nor the handful of customers in the store at the time, were injured in the incident.

A police manhunt was launched to find the culprits and, early on Tuesday morning, police arrested two men aged 31 and 45 in Garfield Street, Pallion.

One of the men was taken to hospital for treatment to an injury sustained before his arrest.

After the alleged attempted robbery, a heavy police presence swooped on the building and the Post Office was cordoned off while forensic teams investigated.

Southern Area Command Superintendent Paul Milner said: “First of all I would like to praise members of staff who were in the Post Office at the time of the incident, their bravery and quick thinking should be commended.

“Throughout the night we have been carrying out extensive enquiries to arrest those believed to be responsible and I’m pleased to say that early this morning we arrested two men. They are now being questioned.


“Incidents where a firearm is discharged in these circumstances are incredibly rare.

“However, we know the local community will quite rightly be concerned and I would like to offer my reassurance that we will have extra officers in the area to answer their concerns.

“We recognise there may have been some disruption for the local community and I’d like to thank them for their support and cooperation to enable us to deal with the incident and make these arrests.


“I would also like to thank the officers involved for their professionalism and tireless work to reassure local residents and get people in custody.”

Anyone with information, or who witnessed the incident, is asked to phone Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference 768 160117.

Alternatively you can phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.