Armed raiders escape with thousands in post office robbery

Armed men have escaped with a five-figure sum after robbing a post office.

The two masked men threatened the lone shopkeeper with what is believed to be a firearm when they went into the post office within the Day to Day convenience store in Green Street, Strathaven, at around 8.10am on Monday.

They demanded money and then fled on foot with the haul.

Armed officers and police vehicles responded to the incident in the Lanarkshire town.

The shopkeeper, a 34- yearold man, was shaken by the incident but not injured.

Police are appealing for information about the robbery.

Detective Inspector Colin Campbell, of Cambuslang CID, said: “Police were called at 0900 hours about the robbery and local officers attended, supported by armed police due to the report that a firearm had been involved.

“Thank fully the shopkeeper, who was in the shop on his own at the time, was not injured but to be threatened with a firearm was very frightening for him.

“Officers are checking CCTV in the area and speaking with local businesses and people who were in and around the area at the time.

“The men, both of whom had their faces covered with masks similar to balaclavas, ran off from the shop via the lane to the side of it. At this time they made off on foot.

“We don’t know if they had access to a vehicle or not but that will obviously be one of our lines of inquiry.

“It’s possible the suspects had been either hanging about the area prior to the robbery or indeed over the past few days, so if you did see anyone acting suspiciously, either in a car or not, then please get in touch with police.”

One suspect was described as being 5ft 10ins to 5ft 11ins tall, of stocky build and was wearing blue jeans and black boots.

The second suspect was 5 ft 7 ins to 5 ft 8 install, of slim build and was wearing a black cap with anNY logo on it and a jacket with a white zip.

Anyone with information is askedto contact officers at Cam bus langC ID via 101, quoting reference number 0728/ 28/ 08.

Details can also be given anonymously to Crimestop - pers via 0800 555 111.