Post Office staff force robbers to flee

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BRAVE post office staff told an armed robber where to go when he held them at knifepoint and demanded cash.

Employees at Coatdyke Post Office in Muiryhall Street were shocked when two masked men entered the small outlet last Wednesday.

One of the crooks guarded the door while the other stood at the counter menacingly, holding out a large knife and demanding money.

The terrifying sight of two men wearing terrorist-style balaclavas could have been enough to frighten the three members of staff into handing over the cash.

But the demand was met with a resounding refusal which saw the two crooks flee the scene.

A police source said: “The staff were very brave and the two suspects fled empty-handed. The staff did very well.”

The botched raid happened at around 1pm last Wednesday and provoked a massive police response.

A helicopter scanned the area and forensic officers and police sniffer dogs scoured the post office for clues.

Our source said: “The first suspect entered the post office and approached the counter, presented a knife and requested money. The other suspect stood at the door.

“Both were wearing black balaclavas with holes for the eyes.

“When they were refused money, they ran out towards Quarry Street.

“The staff then activated the alarm and the police attended.

“The members of staff were unharmed.”

It is believed that the cool-headed post office workers, although shaken by the experience, kept serving customers. A member of the public was actually waiting to be served at the time of the attempted robbery.

One employee even ran out of the shop to see if she could spot the duo as they made their escape.

Police immediately closed the building and it remained shut for the rest of the day.

Coatbridge police have issued descriptions of what the two suspects were wearing.

The knifeman was wearing a grey zipped-up jacket, blue jeans and white training shoes.

The second suspect was wearing a dark-navy or black jacket with a grey stripe across the chest and arms, gloves, jeans and black shoes with square toes.

Anyone with information should call Coatbridge Police Office on 01236 502000 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where calls are free and callers can remain anonymous.