Man confronted armed raiders with sword

A SUFFOLK post office worker confronted two armed raiders with a ceremonial sword before being hit in the head with the butt of a sawn off shotgun, it was revealed today.

Two balaclava-clad men entered Great Thurlow village post office and demanded cash from one female member of staff and told another to lay on the floor.

One offender was carrying a sawn off shot-gun and fired a shot into the air, although it is not thought to have been a live round.

It is believed to be the first time a gun has been fired during such a raid in Suffolk.

While the offenders were taking money from the post office a male member of staff, believed to be in his 60s, entered the store and confronted the robbers with a sword.

A struggle ensued between him and the two robbers. During this struggle the man was hit with the butt of the gun and suffered a cut to his head.

He was treated at the scene by a doctor.

The raiders left the store with an undisclosed sum of cash.

Police were today investigating possible links between the robbery and a similar incident in Brantham.

Detective Inspector Andy Smith said: “This must have been a frightening ordeal for the members of staff in the store. They have all been left shaken but fortunately no one was seriously injured.

“Although the male member of staff was brave in tackling the offenders we would never recommend or condone that anyone takes the law into their own hands or places themselves in danger.

“We would always advise that victims try and stay calm and quiet. They should comply with the offenders instructions but remain alert, noting as much detail about the offenders as they can in order to assist us with our investigation.”

The robbery has similarities to a raid at Brantham's Co-op store last week in which two armed men entered the store and demanded cash.

The car used in yesterday's attack a silver Rover 214 registration J361 OUD and was found, with the engine running, between the A134 and Little Thurlow.

Police last night said they were hunting two men, one white and one black, who raided the store in The Street at about 4.50pm yesterday.

Mike Nunn, spokesman for Suffolk police, said: “We will be investigating to determine if this is linked with any other incidents in the region.

The member of staff who was involved in the incident today said he was fine and the shop would be open for business as usual.

He declined to comment further on the incident.

One of the offenders is described as African Caribbean in appearance, under 30-years-old, between 5ft 9in and 5ft 10in and of athletic build. He was wearing dark clothing and was carrying the gun.

The other robber was white, about 5ft 8in of medium build and was also wearing dark clothing.

Anyone who has information should contact Bury St Edmunds CID on 01284 774 100 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.