A POST office has been robbed by a man armed with what police believe was a gun.

The post office in the Nisa store in Park Road, in the South Moor area of Stanley, was robbed at 7am yesterday (Thursday, June 26).

A cashier handed over cash after being threatened with what was thought to be a firearm and the intruder made off.

The robber was wearing a blue tracksuit top with the hood up and dark trousers. He was also wearing sunglasses and had his face covered.

The cashier was not injured but was left shaken by the incident.

A burned-out Vauxhall Corsa, which police believe is connected to the robbery, was discovered shortly afterwards in the Fern Avenue area of the town.

Police have since arrested a 20-year-old man in connection with the robbery and he is currently in custody.

The officer leading the investigation, Detective Inspector Dunny McCubben said: “I am looking for a number of people in connection with the robbery and as such am keen to hear from anyone with any information about this incident.

“The cashier was left very shaken and money has been stolen. With this in mind I would urge anyone with information to call us.

“We’ve had an excellent response from the local community so far and I would encourage people to continue working with us.

“Although shocking, incidents of this nature are thankfully rare and my officers are working hard to bring the person responsible to justice.”

Anyone with information is asked to ring Durham Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.