Two men suspected of attempting to rob the Up Hatherley Post Office in Cheltenham were found hiding in a nearby loft, Gloucestershire Constabulary has confirmed.
The incident took place on the afternoon of Friday, February 27, at around 4:10 pm on Hatherley Road. At that time, two masked men, each allegedly armed with a suspected firearm, entered the post office and demanded money from a staff member. The suspects fled empty-handed after spotting a customer inside the premises.
The duo escaped in a white Audi, which was later discovered to be using stolen number plates. Firearms officers launched a search in the area and located the vehicle approximately 40 minutes later on a nearby street. Inside the driver’s door pocket, officers noticed a suspected firearm, which was later identified as an imitation.
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Further investigation uncovered one of the stolen number plates underneath the car and another in a nearby bush. Officers then secured an address in the vicinity, setting up a road closure. From this location, a man in his 40s voluntarily surrendered, while two men in their 30s were found hiding in the loft of the property.
All three men were arrested on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear and attempted robbery. Scenes guards were established at both the post office and the address where the suspects were found. Forensic teams conducted thorough examinations of the involved properties and the seized vehicle.
Additionally, a fourth individual was arrested on March 3 but has since been released on bail. All suspects currently remain on bail pending ongoing inquiries.
Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with relevant footage to come forward and assist with the investigation. Information can be submitted online, quoting incident 320 of February 27.