Linton postmistress relives knifepoint ordeal

Posted by The Journal on Nov 13, 08 09:18 AM in News

A postmistress who was threatened with a knife by a robber last night relived her terrifying ordeal.

Janet Robson, 57, who runs the community-managed post office at Linton, near Morpeth, had a knife pointed at her chest and throat during the robbery on Tuesday afternoon.

Linton post office

The man stole cash from behind the counter before fleeing the Third Row store on a bicycle. Mrs Robson was left unharmed, but in a state of shock.

The post office was closed yesterday morning awaiting a visit from auditors to find out exactly what had been stolen. Police are hunting the robber.

His tearful victim said she had been terrified and hopes officers catch the man to stop him "doing it to anybody else."

Mrs Robson said: "He has turned us into a blubbering wreck. As long as somebody gets him and makes him suffer the way we are suffering through this.

Janet Robson "If he can pull a knife on somebody he probably could use it."

Mrs Robson, who lives on First Row, was in the village shop and post office alone when the robber entered at 3.05pm.

She had just gone through a door from the post office to the shop when the man came in.

He pointed a "massive" knife at her and told her he did not want to hurt her and to go into the store's back room.

Mrs Robson pushed a table against the door to stop the robber getting in and tried to ring police on her mobile phone.

The robber went into the post office and stole money from the counter.

He tried to force the back room door open and shouted to Mrs Robson to give him the key to the safe but she said she did not have it.

The robber was then interrupted by a woman with a baby and Mrs Robson heard shouting as the man told the shopper to leave the store so he could flee.

The postmistress said the robber was a young man who she does not believe is from the area.

He had not disguised himself but had been pulling his jumper up to cover his face.

The robber is described as white, late teens to early 20s, of slim build and around 5ft 5ins to 5ft6ins tall.

He was wearing a grey or black woollen hat and dark, possibly black clothing.

Police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to contact Morpeth CID on 0345 6043043 ext 63526 or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Linton shop and post office was bought by a management committee of local people in 2002, following a three year fundraising drive. Mrs Robson was appointed postmistress in 2005.

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