Four arrested after raid on Dudley post office

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FOUR men have been arrested after a getaway vehicle used after a post office raid smashed into a police car, injuring two officers.

Residents spoke of their shock after the robbery on Market Street, in the quiet village of Dudley, North Tyneside.

After the intruders forced their way into the post office and stole a box containing a small amount of cash, the robbers fled in a dark Audi car at around 2.55am yesterday.

Officers checked the roads in the surrounding area and at 4.30am saw a dark car being driven on the wrong side of the road.

It collided head-on with a motor patrol car in North Shields, next to the Percy Main Metro bridge. Another police vehicle was also damaged in the collision.

Four people were injured in the smash. Two of the four occupants of the Audi were injured, one with head injuries and another with minor injuries. They were both taken to North Tyneside Hospital.

Two motor patrol officers were taken to Newcastle General Hospital where they were treated for minor injuries and discharged.

It was reported that several people were involved in the burglary. Four men have been arrested on suspicion of burglary and are currently helping police with their inquiries.

Grandmother-of-three Val Simmons, who lives near where the robbery happened, said she was shocked to hear about the robbery. The 64-year-old said: “I really hope the people who live above and look after the post office are all right. It must have been frightening.”

A woman, who didn’t wish to be named, said she was woken up by the terrifying incident. The 36-year-old, who lives in Market Street, said: “I was woken up at around 3am after hearing loud crashing and banging outside. I thought someone was breaking into my house, it was frightening.

“Then I heard car tyres screeching outside. At 4am, the police knocked on my door as they’d had a call from other worried neighbours.

“The incident worried me so much that I didn’t sleep for the rest of the night.”

Natasha Janssen, who works at Acacia florist a few doors down from the post office, added: “It must have been horrible. I wonder how they smashed the door as it is thick glass. Normally it is very quiet around here, so I was surprised to hear about it.”

Det Insp Adrian Tallantyre, of North Tyneside CID, said: “We are appealing for witnesses to this incident. Anyone who heard or saw the burglary at Dudley Post Office is asked to contact police.

“We are also appealing for anyone who saw a dark coloured Audi car being driven around the area in the early hours of Monday, January 18 and anyone who saw the collision with the police vehicles.”

The post office will be shut as repairs are carried out.

A Post Office spokesman said: “The branch will be temporarily closed until necessary repairs are carried out. In the meantime customers may use Burradon, Seaton Burn or Cramlington post offices or any other branch of their choice.”

:: Anyone with information can call Northumbria Police on 0345 604 3043 ext 63143 or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.