Staff threatened during attempted armed robbery at a Shrewsbury post office

Police were called to the shop in Tilstock Crescent, Sutton Farm just after 9.40am this morning, after a man threatened staff with a knife and demanded they hand over money.

Staff activated a security alarm and the offender fled empty-handed on foot into Sutton Road and then back into the Sutton Farm estate.

Police officers arrived within minutes and carried out an extensive search but the man was not found.

Detective Sergeant Mark Hill, who is investigating the incident, said the offender had approached the Post Office from the direction of nearby Rowley Court and is likely to have been seen outside the store immediately before the attempted robbery.

"The man entered the shop and pointed a knife at staff behind the counter before demanding money," he said.

"However, he fled empty-handed when the security alarm was activated and made off into the housing estate.

"He is white, about 5ft 10in in height, of large build and possibly in his 20s. He was wearing a bulky black or dark jacket, jeans and had a grey balaclava covering his face."

Nobody was injured although staff at the store were left shaken by the incident.

DS Hill said he was keen to hear from anyone who might have seen suspicious activity around the Post Office both that morning and in the days leading up to the incident.

"This is a fairly busy shopping precinct and somebody must have seen the suspect outside the Post Office before and when he ran out afterwards," he added.

"If anybody has information that could help our investigation, please contact police on 101 as a matter of urgency."

CCTV footage both from the store and the surrounding area is being examined and several lines of enquiry being followed up.

Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if people do not wish to be identified.