Four arrested after raid on Dudley post office

Jan 19 2010 by Laura Caroe, The Journal

FOUR men have been arrested after a getaway vehicle used after a post office raid smashed into a police car, injuring two officers.

Residents spoke of their shock after the robbery on Market Street, in the quiet village of Dudley, North Tyneside.

After the intruders forced their way into the post office and stole a box containing a small amount of cash, the robbers fled in a dark Audi car at around 2.55am yesterday.

Officers checked the roads in the surrounding area and at 4.30am saw a dark car being driven on the wrong side of the road.

It collided head-on with a motor patrol car in North Shields, next to the Percy Main Metro bridge. Another police vehicle was also damaged in the collision.

Four people were injured in the smash. Two of the four occupants of the Audi were injured, one with head injuries and another with minor injuries. They were both taken to North Tyneside Hospital.

Two motor patrol officers were taken to Newcastle General Hospital where they were treated for minor injuries and discharged.

It was reported that several people were involved in the burglary. Four men have been arrested on suspicion of burglary and are currently helping police with their inquiries.