Post office robbery e-fits issued

E-fits issued by police of a man and woman they want to question

Police investigating an attempted armed robbery at a Port Talbot post office have issued e-fits of a man and woman seen shortly before the incident.

Two robbers wearing balaclavas, one with a gun, threatened and assaulted the postmaster at Taibach at 0840 GMT on Tuesday, 11 January.

The man was seen seated on steps opposite the post office using a mobile phone from 0815 GMT before the robbery.

He was described as white, in his mid- 20s, thin build with a long thin nose.

Police said he was wearing a black fleece and a black and white baseball cap and a black jacket.

Detectives have urged him to come forward so he can be eliminated from inquiries.

The woman was seated in a small silver car, possibly a Citroën, in the lay-by outside the Bell pub, next to the post office.

She was seen to leave the car on at least three occasions and walk to the front door of the post office and is believed to be connected to the man.

The raid was carried out at 0840 GMT on 11 January. Pic: Carl Ryan

She was described as 5ft 8ins tall, late 20s, thin build, with shoulder length black hair, wearing a long coat which came below the knees.

Detective Inspector Wayne Thomas of Neath Port Talbot CID said: "We want to hear from anyone who saw these persons, have any ideas as to their identities or indeed from the persons themselves if they are unconnected and acting in all innocence."

The postmaster was threatened and assaulted by two men wearing balaclavas, one of whom was in possession of what appeared to be a handgun.

He managed to escape and the suspects left empty handed.

Police recovered a burnt-out white Vauxhall Astra on a dirt track near Swansea Bay Golf Course in Jersey Marine which they believe was used in the robbery.

A spokesman for the Post Office, which has offered a "substantial reward," said: "We take incidents of this nature extremely seriously and we support the police in their effort to apprehend those responsible."

Police want anyone who was in the area between 0600 and 0900GMT to contact Port Talbot CID on 01792 456999 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.