Post Office robber told staff he had a gun

A robber made off with a substantial amount of cash following a post office robbery in which told a member of staff that he was armed with a gun.

The robber was with two other offenders, all of whom were wearing high-visibility jackets, when they went into the Lowerplace Post Office on Oldham Road between 1.10pm and 1.20pm last Friday (18 July).

They approached the counter and one of them demanded cash. A member of staff, believing the man was armed, handed over a substantial amount of money and the robbers fled.

The man who demanded the cash is described as white, 5ft 6ins tall, of slim build and in his late twenties. He is also described as having a long face, which was unshaven and dark eyes. He was wearing blue jeans, a peaked cap and a fluorescent yellow padded jacket, which went down to his knees and was dirty. He also had a Scottish accent.

Detective Constable Ben Harris of Rochdale CID said: "This was a very serious incident involving the threat of a firearm and has left staff extremely shaken.

"There must have been customers waiting in the post office at the time of the robbery when the internal alarm sounded and we really need to speak to them as they may have crucial information for us.

"We would therefore urge anyone who might have seen something suspicious to get in touch."

The Post Office is also offering a reward of up to £10,000 for any information which leads to a conviction.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 4646 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.