Man arrested in Leeds over post office raid by cross-dressing robbers

The 38-year-old was arrested in Gipton this morning (Wednesday) following the incident in High Street, Boston Spa, on Monday.

A 32-year-old woman arrested yesterday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit armed robbery remains in custody.

Police yesterday released CCTV images showing two robbers entering the post office dressed in women’s clothes, wigs and hats at about 9.30am. One pushed the other in a wheelchair, which was later abandoned.

The pictures also show the pair running from the premises, with one holding a shotgun that was discharged outside.

The robbers stole cash, but were forced to abandon their takings after a number of witnesses intervened.

One member of staff who tried to stop them had to be treated for minor injuries after he was hit with a crowbar.

Det Insp Phil Jackson, of Leeds District CID, said: “The images clearly show how noticeable this pair would have been to anyone who saw them in the moments leading up to the robbery and as they fled from the scene.”

He added: “A large amount of cash was recovered from outside the post office and we believe the offenders probably left empty handed. This was mainly due to a number of members of the public who intervened and tried to tackle them.

“A male member of staff from the post office was hit on the head with a crowbar during the struggle outside and was treated at hospital for minor injuries and was later released.”

A witness who works nearby said: “I heard what sounded like a firework going off. There were lots of people screaming and I saw someone picking up a wig out of the road and other people were collecting what looked like money.

“There were lots of old people gathered around, presumably because they’d been to collect their pension money.”

High Street – the main road through Boston Spa – was cordoned off after the incident.

A stolen white Nissan Juke used as a getaway car was found on fire nearby in Beeches End a short time later.

The car had been taken in a burglary in Wetherby overnight on February 6 and had false number plates stolen from two vehicles in the Meanwood and Headingley area at the weekend.

Det Insp Jackson added: “We have spoken to a number of witnesses about the events at the post office itself but are still very keen to speak to anyone who has seen the two offenders or the vehicles they have used either before or after the incident.

“The Nissan has clearly been missing for some time and we would like to hear from anyone with information on where it might have been in that time.

“We believe the offenders left Beeches End in what has been described as a white sports car. We would like to hear from anyone who may have seen that vehicle leaving the area.”

The detective said the robbery was “a very serious incident for what is normally a quiet village and people living there are understandably concerned”.

He added: “I would like to reassure them that we have a team of detectives doing everything we can to identify and trace the people responsible for this offence. Our colleagues from the local neighbourhood policing are also maintaining an increased presence in the area to reassure the community.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.