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)