Police hunt armed raider after attempted robbery at Shipley post office (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Neighbours left shocked after man with gun demanded money from staff at Shipley post office

10:43pm Thursday 1st November 2012 in News By Steve Wright, Crime Reporter

A manhunt was underway last night after a masked man armed with a gun attempted to rob a Bradford post office.

Armed officers and the West Yorkshire Police helicopter were called in to search for the man following reports of a robbery shortly after 3pm yesterday at the post office in Wrose Road, Shipley.

Police said a man, said to be armed with a firearm and wearing a balaclava, walked into the premises and demanded money, but then left empty-handed.

Officers have said no shots were fired and nobody was injured.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “The suspect has been described as a man wearing a grey top and a balaclava.”

The post office was cordoned off yesterday afternoon following the incident, with a PCSO standing guard outside while investigations were carried out inside the building.

Detectives also spoke to nearby residents and businesses in the immediate aftermath while officers tried to find the suspect.

Nearby residents told the Telegraph & Argus they had been left shocked by the incident.

One nearby resident, who did not want to be identified, said: “It’s frightening, what’s happened.

“This is a very good area, there’s been no robberies and no burglaries around here for a long time – it’s frightening that it’s happened now.

“They are very friendly people in the Post Office, I just pay bills over there and they are friendly people.”

The resident said she did not see anything at the time of the incident, but saw a helicopter flying overhead shortly afterwards.

Another nearby resident, who did not want to be identified, said: “It’s quite shocking, at this time of day.

“You don’t like things happening like that. It’s quite peaceful really around here.”

Detective Inspector Richard Partis said: “We take these incidents extremely seriously. Thankfully no-one was hurt and no money was stolen in this incident.

“We would appeal to any members of the public who were in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious to get in touch.”

Witnesses or anyone with any information about the incident have been asked to contact Airedale and North Bradford CID on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.