Pepper-Spray Robbery

14 July 2010, 17:45 | Updated: 14 July 2010, 17:49

A teenage boy and a man have been arrested after a woman was sprayed with a pepper-type spray and robbed at a post office in Bournemouth.

The hooded men allegedly took the 37-year-old's  takings as she went to pay them into the branch on Broadway Lane on Monday.

A four year old girl who was in the post office with her mother during the alleged robbery was said to be terrified.

A 21-year old man and a 16-year old male youth – both from Bournemouth – have been arrested by police and released on bail while officers continue with their enquiries.

Both men are described as wearing dark hooded tops and with something over their faces.

Detectives are also keen to speak to a third man seen outside the post office at the time of the robbery.

He is described as also aged in his late teens with very short brown hair and wearing a grey T-shirt and dark trousers.

The amount of cash that was stolen in the alleged robbery is not being released.

Detective Constable James Taylor, of Bournemouth CID, said: "I am appealing for the public's help in finding the men responsible for this alleged robbery and I would like to hear from anyone who recognises – or has any information about – the two men pictured in the CCTV.

"I am keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the alleged robbery, to anyone who saw two men running away from the scene and to anyone who may have seen any suspicious, unusual or out of the ordinary activity in the area of the post office before the incident."

Police attended the scene and carried out a search of the area involving the police helicopter and search dogs.

Officers sealed off the post office and closed off the road outside the post office while crime scene investigators attended to carry out a detailed forensic examination of the scene.

Staff at the post office were not threatened by the robbers.

Witnesses and anyone with information should contact Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 222 222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.