A WOULD-BE robber threatened a cashier with a tow bar before fleeing from an Essex post office.The man, said to be in his mid-30s, asked the employee to weigh the car accessory before demanding money at Copford Post Office yesterday lunchtime.
By Roddy Ashworth
A WOULD-BE robber threatened a cashier with a tow bar before fleeing from an Essex post office.
The man, said to be in his mid-30s, asked the employee to weigh the car accessory before demanding money at Copford Post Office yesterday lunchtime.
However, after a brief struggle, the attacker left the building and drove off in a red sports car.
It was the latest in a series of robberies or attempted robberies at post offices in East Anglia. Earlier this week, post offices in Isleham, near Soham, and Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich, were also targeted.
Detectives in Colchester are now appealing for a woman who was in the London Road post office during the raid to come forward as she may have vital information.
The attempted robbery happened at around 12.50pm when the suspect entered the post office, which is near the Swan pub in Copford.
He asked the worker to weigh the tow bar but as the employee turned to the scales he used it to threaten the man and demanded he hand over cash.
After a scuffle the attacker ran from the premises.
The raider was described as being around 6ft tall, white, and of medium build. He had close-cropped brown hair. He wore dark trousers and also had on a black coat.
The sports car he drove had a soft top and headed off in the direction of Marks Tey.
Yesterday a spokesman for Essex Police said: "Detectives would like to hear from any witnesses to the attack or the moments afterwards, particularly a woman who was in the shop at the time.
"This woman may be able to provide a clearer picture of events, and a better description of the foiled robber."
Anybody with any information about the attempted robbery is asked to contact Det Con Barry Burman on 01206 762212.
Alternatively, information may be given in confidence by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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