PANIC BUTTON FOILS ROBBER (From Warrington Guardian)

PANIC BUTTON FOILS ROBBER

A PANIC button foiled an armed robber as he tried to raid a Widnes sub-post office.

A man brandishing a black handgun held up two female and one male member of staff at Hough Green post office in Ditchfield Road.

But as he demanded cash, one of the counter clerks pressed a panic button and the raider fled empty-handed.

He was followed at a safe distance in a car for half-a-mile by a member of staff and another man.

They trailed him as he made his getaway toward Hough Green station and over a footbridge.

They saw him get into a waiting R-reg silver coloured car in Aston Road.

The car, carrying two other men, then sped off.

Detectives this week appealed for help from the public.

Det Con Karl Fitzgerald said: "We have not yet been able to detect this car and it is has not been recovered.

"We would appreciate information from anyone who may have seen it."

The attempted raid happened at 10am on Wednesday, January 6.

The would-be robber was a white man, aged 19-27, of slim build. He was between 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10ins with no noticeable accent. He was clean-shaven with a clear, olive complexion. He had short, brown hair and brown hazel eyes.

He was wearing a black or dark blue balaclava, a black or dark blue jacket with a zip-up front and dark-coloured trousers.

A spokeswoman for Cheshire police said: "We would like to speak to anyone who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the vicinity of Hough Green post office prior to the offence.

"Or were you in Aston Road from 10am onwards? Do you recall seeing a light-coloured car with two men in it?"

Anyone with information is asked to ring Det Sgt Geoff Able on 01244 613734 or crime stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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