UPDATED: Police are in attendance at St Helens Post Office this evening (Tuesday) following what is understood to be a robbery.
Several officers are on scene – including the Island’s Armed Response Unit – having been alerted to the incident at just before 16:45.
One local resident has told Island Echo that they heard the shop’s alarm sound ahead of the arrival of Police.
Initial indications suggest the male suspect may have been armed with a knife. He is understood to have fled from the shop in the direction of Carpenters Road, but not before being confronted by a member of the public.
The shop has been closed pending the arrival of forensic officers.
UPDATE @ 17:35 – A middle-aged man has been arrested at an address on Field Lane – just half-a-mile from the post office and shop – in connection with the incident.
The arrest has been made by the Dog Support Unit, Armed Response Unit and other local officers. The man has been taken into custody at Newport Police Station for questioning.
Detectives from Newport CID are now present at the shop as investigations continue.
UPDATE WEDNESDAY @ 11:58 – Hampshire Constabulary have confirmed that a total of £750 was stolen in yesterday’s incident, in which a man entered the village shop and threatened staff with a knife.
A 44-year-old man from St Helens has been arrested on suspicion of robbery. He remains in custody.
UPDATE WEDNESDAY @ 16:10 – 44-year-old David Warner of St Helens has been charged following yesterday’s incident.
Further information at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/news/44-year-old-man-charged-st-helens-robbery.
