Armed robbery in Cumbria - Post Office staff threatened with firearm

An 18-year-old man has received a five year custodial sentence for an armed robbery at a post office in Frizington.

Paul Farish, from Whitehaven, was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court today.

He pleaded guilty to robbery involving a firearm on the 9th December 2015.

The armed robbery occurred at the post office on Main Street, Frizington on Wednesday 28th October 2015.

Police were called at 6.17am on Wednesday morning to reports of a member of staff being threatened with a firearm at the Post Office on Main Street.

Farish marched the victim around the shop to the till holding the firearm against her.

He then made off with a small amount of cash.

The female shop assistant was not hurt but was obviously left very distressed.

Detective Constable Richard Melton said:

Police have charged a man in connection with a robbery at a post office in a Cumbrian Village.

Officers were called to Frizington Post Office at 6:17am on October 28 after a member of staff was threatened with a firearm. She was unharmed but left distressed after the incident.

Paul Farish, 18, has been charged with robbery and possessing an imitation firearm. He appeared at West Cumbria Magistrates Court today and has been remanded in custody. He is due to appear at Carlisle Crown Court on December 7.

A second man, aged 19, who was also arrested in connection with the incident has been released on police bail.

Three weeks after the armed robbery of a Post Office in Frizington, West Cumbria, Cumbria Police have renewed their appeals for information.

The robbery led to four arrests in connection with the incident, but all four men arrested have been released and 'eliminated from the investigation'.

The robbery occurred at approximately 6.14am on Wednesday 30th October 2015 at the post office on Main Street.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Harwood:

A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery in connection with an incident in Frizington last Wednesday. The man is not from the local area.

Police were called at 6.17am on Wednesday morning to reports of a member of staff being threatened with a firearm at the Post Office on Main Street. She was not hurt but obviously left distressed.

A different 20-year-old was arrested on Thursday but released on bail.

Police are continuing to investigate the incident and are still appealing for any witnesses to come forward with information.

A 20-year-old local man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery in connection with an incident in Frizington yesterday.

Police were called at 6.17am yesterday morning to reports of a member of staff being threatened with a firearm at the Post Office on Main Street.

She was not hurt but obviously left distressed.

Police are continuing to investigate the incident and are still appealing for any witnesses to come forward with information.

Police are currently investigating a report of armed robbery in Frizington.

Armed police officers have been deployed to the area and a search is underway for the offender.

He is described as a being 5ft 9/10 tall, of slim build and was wearing black jogging pants and a black sweatshirt. He was also wearing a mask.

Police were called at 6.17am this morning with a report of a member of staff being threatened with a firearm at the Post Office on Main Street.

She was not hurt but obviously left distressed by the incident.

The offender left the scene with an amount of cash.