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Postmaster injured in shop raid Arrest after post office robbery
(about 5 hours later)
A sub postmaster has been taken to hospital after he was physically attacked during a robbery. A 24-year-old man has been arrested following a post office robbery.
The post office in Neath Road, Britton Ferry was raided on Wednesday morning, South Wales Police have confirmed. Armed police officers were called to the premises in Neath Road, Briton Ferry on Wednesday morning.
Armed officers were called to the scene after the robbery happened shortly before 0900 BST. The sub postmaster, Andrew Ball, sustained facial injuries in the incident and was taken to Morriston hospital in Swansea for treatment.
A spokesman for Post Office Ltd said the man and his family will be offered full support and counselling after a "very traumatic experience". Detectives say a man is being held at Neath police station on suspicion of armed robbery. An appeal has also been made for witnesses to come forward.
Officers from South Wales Police received reports of an incident at Briton Ferry Post Office on Neath Road, shortly before 0900 BST. Officers were called to the post office just before 0900 BST, and said a large quantity of cash had been taken during the incident.
They have appealed for anyone who saw anything suspicious near the area, including the woodland behind Neath Road, between 0700 and 0930 BST to contact them. Detective Inspector Jason Davies of Neath Port Talbot CID said: "We are appealing to anyone who was in this area of Briton Ferry who may have seen any persons acting suspiciously in the vicinity of the Post Office, including the wooded area at the rear of the premises, between 7am and 9.30am to come forward with information.
"We would also like to hear from anyone who has witnessed any suspicious activity in or around the Post Office in the days or weeks leading up to this incident."
A spokesman for Post Office Ltd said Mr Ball and his family would be offered full support and counselling after a "very traumatic experience".
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Gwyn Ball describes how raiders attacked his son as they opened the shop
Mr Ball's father Gwyn told BBC Wales: "He went to lock the back door and these men came and jumped on him.
"They got him down on the floor and they were kicking him."
Local councillor Hugh James said it was the third robbery in the area.Local councillor Hugh James said it was the third robbery in the area.
He said there were two post offices in Neath Road but police activity centred on the main branch.He said there were two post offices in Neath Road but police activity centred on the main branch.
Mr James said officers had cordoned off the back lanes and there was a large police presence.Mr James said officers had cordoned off the back lanes and there was a large police presence.
Witness describes her shock at a raid at a post office
'Reassurance'
He said: "This is obviously a shocking incident for a place like Briton Ferry, it's a popular post office and lots of elderly people use it.He said: "This is obviously a shocking incident for a place like Briton Ferry, it's a popular post office and lots of elderly people use it.
"It's been quite shocking because we have had three incidents on that road in recent months.""It's been quite shocking because we have had three incidents on that road in recent months."
The branch is closed for the time being but will be reopening as soon as possible. Neath Port Talbot divisional commander, Superintendent Julian Williams, said: "The community of Briton Ferry can be reassured by the fact that an arrest has been made following extensive police investigations which have been carried out throughout the day and are continuing.
"Incidents such as this are rare in Neath Port Talbot but when they do occur we will be relentless in our pursuit of those responsible to ensure our communities remain safe places to live and work."
The Neath Road branch is closed for the time being but will be reopening as soon as possible.
In the meantime, customers can use any Post Office branch, with the branches Ynysymaerdy, Penrhiwtyn, Baglan, Cimla and Fairways, being the nearest alternatives.In the meantime, customers can use any Post Office branch, with the branches Ynysymaerdy, Penrhiwtyn, Baglan, Cimla and Fairways, being the nearest alternatives.
Anyone with information on the incident should contact South Wales Police on 01792 456999 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.Anyone with information on the incident should contact South Wales Police on 01792 456999 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.