16/09/2009
Post Offices Robbed
Three robbers are being hunted after a hold-up earlier today in Mayobride sub post office.
The PSNI are on alert for a red getaway car driven by an accomplice. It was used after two masked robbers carrying a gun menaced staff at the Hilltown Road premises before escaping with a sum of cash.
By coincidence, it happened at around the same time as a man was arrested following a dramatic high-speed chase in the midlands area of the Irish Republic, which followed an armed raid on a security van at a post office this morning.
Gardaí say the man left Irishtown post office outside Athlone at high speed in a van.
He was followed for 80km on the Galway to the Dublin Road until he stopped near the toll booths on the M4 at Enfield.
It is not known how much money was taken in the robbery. No-one was injured.
The incident in Northern Ireland was quickly condemned by a local politician.
Newry and Mourne District Policing Partnership Chair, and SDLP councillor Josephine O'Hare said anyone who might have seen anything related to the armed robbery in Mayobride "should go immediately to the police".
Filling in some detail she said: "A masked man carrying a firearm, confronted the postmistress this morning and robbed the sub-post office while an accomplice kept a car waiting.
"No actual violence was used but obviously the woman is suffering from shock.
"Ours is a quiet little village and it is possible someone may have seen these men acting suspiciously or seen where their car came from or headed.
"The police need every detail to do what has to be done, which is to catch those responsible and put them away before they rob again.
"We have come a long way towards a peaceful, lawful society and a tough line needs to be taken with those who rob with guns," said Cllr O'Hare, who lives in Mayobridge.
A Post Office spokesperson said: "Post Office Ltd confirm there was an armed robbery at Mayobridge Post Office branch on Wednesday 16 September.
"Thankfully no one was seriously hurt but the staff were traumatized by the experience and our priority is to provide support for all concerned," the statement continued.
"We are giving full assistance to the police as they investigate the incident and would encourage anyone with information to come forward.
"The branch will remain closed until enquires are complete.
"In the meantime, customers may use any Post Office branch however, the nearest ones are located at Hilltown, Rathfriland and Warrenpoint."
(BMcC)(GK)
The PSNI are on alert for a red getaway car driven by an accomplice. It was used after two masked robbers carrying a gun menaced staff at the Hilltown Road premises before escaping with a sum of cash.
By coincidence, it happened at around the same time as a man was arrested following a dramatic high-speed chase in the midlands area of the Irish Republic, which followed an armed raid on a security van at a post office this morning.
Gardaí say the man left Irishtown post office outside Athlone at high speed in a van.
He was followed for 80km on the Galway to the Dublin Road until he stopped near the toll booths on the M4 at Enfield.
It is not known how much money was taken in the robbery. No-one was injured.
The incident in Northern Ireland was quickly condemned by a local politician.
Newry and Mourne District Policing Partnership Chair, and SDLP councillor Josephine O'Hare said anyone who might have seen anything related to the armed robbery in Mayobride "should go immediately to the police".
Filling in some detail she said: "A masked man carrying a firearm, confronted the postmistress this morning and robbed the sub-post office while an accomplice kept a car waiting.
"No actual violence was used but obviously the woman is suffering from shock.
"Ours is a quiet little village and it is possible someone may have seen these men acting suspiciously or seen where their car came from or headed.
"The police need every detail to do what has to be done, which is to catch those responsible and put them away before they rob again.
"We have come a long way towards a peaceful, lawful society and a tough line needs to be taken with those who rob with guns," said Cllr O'Hare, who lives in Mayobridge.
A Post Office spokesperson said: "Post Office Ltd confirm there was an armed robbery at Mayobridge Post Office branch on Wednesday 16 September.
"Thankfully no one was seriously hurt but the staff were traumatized by the experience and our priority is to provide support for all concerned," the statement continued.
"We are giving full assistance to the police as they investigate the incident and would encourage anyone with information to come forward.
"The branch will remain closed until enquires are complete.
"In the meantime, customers may use any Post Office branch however, the nearest ones are located at Hilltown, Rathfriland and Warrenpoint."
(BMcC)(GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 March 2019
ScamwiseNI & Post Office Collaborate On Scam Protection Initiative
A collaboration between ScamwiseNI and the Post Office has launched today, Monday 04 March, to give consumers an opportunity to discuss any concerns they have about falling victim to a scam.
ScamwiseNI & Post Office Collaborate On Scam Protection Initiative
A collaboration between ScamwiseNI and the Post Office has launched today, Monday 04 March, to give consumers an opportunity to discuss any concerns they have about falling victim to a scam.
27 July 2007
Post Office staff to stage walkout
Further postal strikes will continue today with the expected half-day strike of counter staff at nine post offices. The nine post offices affected are in Newtownards, Bangor, Antrim, Coleraine, Londonderry, Lisburn and two in Belfast. The walkout will be the fifth in a continuing dispute over pay and conditions and will begin at 2.30pm.
Post Office staff to stage walkout
Further postal strikes will continue today with the expected half-day strike of counter staff at nine post offices. The nine post offices affected are in Newtownards, Bangor, Antrim, Coleraine, Londonderry, Lisburn and two in Belfast. The walkout will be the fifth in a continuing dispute over pay and conditions and will begin at 2.30pm.
23 January 2006
Loss of contract could cause Post Office collapse
The Post Office network in Northern Ireland "will collapse" if the plans to change welfare benefit payments are implemented. The warning stems from the government's refusal to renew the £1 billion contract for the Post Office Card Account. This account is used by around 4.
Loss of contract could cause Post Office collapse
The Post Office network in Northern Ireland "will collapse" if the plans to change welfare benefit payments are implemented. The warning stems from the government's refusal to renew the £1 billion contract for the Post Office Card Account. This account is used by around 4.
02 December 2002
£20m cash boost for rural post offices announced
Rural post offices in Northern Ireland are set to receive more than £6.9 million-a-year for the next three years, in the largest ever government support package for this vital community service. The money is part of a £450 million national fund to safeguard the future of thousands of rural post offices, which was unveiled by the government today.
£20m cash boost for rural post offices announced
Rural post offices in Northern Ireland are set to receive more than £6.9 million-a-year for the next three years, in the largest ever government support package for this vital community service. The money is part of a £450 million national fund to safeguard the future of thousands of rural post offices, which was unveiled by the government today.
07 April 2008
Robinson To Discuss Post Office Closures
News of the proposed closure of as many as three east Belfast post offices has prompted the MP for the area to agree a meeting with senior Royal Mail officials.
Robinson To Discuss Post Office Closures
News of the proposed closure of as many as three east Belfast post offices has prompted the MP for the area to agree a meeting with senior Royal Mail officials.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.