DETECTIVES are today hunting a dangerous armed robber who attempted to hold up a Felixstowe post office with a double-barrelled shotgun.The gun-wielding balaclava-clad raider was thwarted by two women working in the store, who saw him approaching, hid under the counter and called the police.

By Richard Cornwell

DETECTIVES are today hunting a dangerous armed robber who attempted to hold up a Felixstowe post office with a double-barrelled shotgun.

The gun-wielding balaclava-clad raider was thwarted by two women working in the store, who saw him approaching, hid under the counter and called the police.

Officers today praised the women's actions – but said they encounter had been a harrowing experience for them and had left them terrified and distressed.

The attempted robbery happened yesterday afternoon at the post office in busy Beach Station Road, just off the seafront.

Shortly before 2.45pm, a man walked into the shop and brandished what appeared to be a double-barrelled shotgun and demanded money.

The post mistress had seen the man approaching the shop and noticed that he was wearing a balaclava. She quickly told her co-worker to duck under the counter and call the police.

As the two women – aged 51 and 61 – hid below the counter, the man shouted violently at them to hand over money.

He also struck the reinforced glass barrier with what is believed to have been the butt of the gun he was carrying.

The security glass shattered, but did not break.

After a few moments, the raider ran from the shop and the women saw him run off in the direction of Pretyman Road and turn right into Tacon Road.

It is not known where he went after that or if he had a vehicle ready for his getaway. Beach Station Road leads straight into Walton Avenue and onto the A14 and if the man took this route he could have been miles away in minutes.

The offender was wearing a dark coloured jacket and dark track suit bottoms, with a white stripe down the side. His face was obscured by the balaclava.

The two women victims, who have not been named, are too upset to talk about their ordeal. They were not hurt but were left extremely shaken.

Investigating officer, DC Dave Mayes said: "This incident caused a great deal of distress to the ladies in the post office, However, they reacted to the incident very quickly and intelligently."

Police are appealing for anyone who was in the Beach Station Road area at the time to contact them as a matter of urgency as they may have information vital to the inquiry.

Officers also want to hear from anyone who saw the man entering or leaving the post office, or recognise the description of him.

Anyone with information should contact Felixstowe CID on 01473 383300 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.