Knifeman in attempted raid on Stortford post office

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POLICE are appealing for witnesses and information after a man wielding a knife tried to rob the main post office in Bishop’s Stortford yesterday (Thursday, November 10).

The incident happened just before 5pm when a man wearing a high-visibility jacket, construction hat and safety goggles walked into the branch in South Street.

He threatened a female member of staff in the shop area and demanded money.

He fled empty-handed after a male member of staff confronted him. No-one was injured in the incident.

The suspect is described as a white man in his 40s with a heavy build. The knife he was carrying had a black plastic handle.

He is believed to have made off up the alleyway beside Holy Trinity Church further along South Street.

Detective Inspector Stuart Orton, of Herts police, said: “We believe the suspect may have been on South Street for at least 10 minutes prior to the incident. Did you see him?

“We are also appealing to anyone who lives in the roads behind the church. We believe the suspect must have had a vehicle to make his getaway. Did you see a man, possibly wearing a high-vis jacket, acting suspiciously or getting in or out of a car before or after this offence?

“He was carrying a blue canvass holdall, rectangular in shape, that has what appears to be white paint on the side and bottom. Do you recognise this description? Have you seen that bag somewhere before?

“If you can help in any way, please call us on the police non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference A2/11/1883. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting the same reference. Your call could really make a difference.”

A Post Office Ltd spokesman said: “We can confirm that an attempted robbery took place at Bishop's Stortford post office yesterday.

"Staff and customers can be assured that their safety and security, as well as that of our sub-postmasters and our branches, is of paramount importance to us. This is now a police matter and we urge anyone with information to contact local police."